Going back to school might feel different this year, whether you’ll be back in the classroom as usual after a long absence, meeting with smaller classes, continuing to learn from home, or some kind of combination. No matter what school will look like for you in the fall, we’ve got you covered with these back to school books for girls.

The Queen Bee and Me

Book cover image for The Queen Bee and Me by Gillian McDunn

Meg notices that things are different with her best friend, Beatrix, now that they’re in middle school. Meg used to be happy letting Beatrix be the leader, but when Meg decides she wants to take a science class without Beatrix and makes friends with classmate Hazel, she sees a new side of her old best friend. As Beatrix tries to interfere with Meg’s friendship with Hazel, Meg wonders whether staying friends with Beatrix is more important than finding her own voice.

Farah Rocks Fifth Grade

Book cover image for Farah Rocks Fifth Grade by Susan Muaddi Darraj and Ruaida Mannaa

Farah and her best friend can’t wait to apply to the Magnet Academy for middle school. But then a new girl starts bullying Farah’s younger brother, and she’s not sure she can leave him behind at their old school — especially since his teachers think the bullying is no big deal. She’s tried all year to impress the Magnet Academy … but should she start downplaying her grades and talents so the academy will overlook her and she can protect her brother?

So Embarrassing: Awkward Moments and How to Get Through Them

Cover image for So Embarrassing: Awkward Moments and How to Get Through THem by Charise Mericle Harper

Everyone experiences a few cringe-worthy moments on their school journey — even though when you’re the one blushing, you can feel all alone. This book reminds you that you’re NOT. Through comics, you’ll see that you’re not the only one who spills water on yourself (it looks like you peed, but you didn’t!), trips on the way to class, calls the teacher by the wrong name, or falls out of your chair. Learn the science behind embarrassing moments (why do you blush, anyway?) as well as how to deal when they happen.

Geometry Is As Easy As Pie

Book cover image for Geometry is as Easy As Pie by Katie Coppens

Mmm, geometry is … delicious! If that surprises you, pick up this book to find out why. Not only will it help you up your geometry game with experiments and concept explanations … it will also fill your belly with delicious pie recipes. Math has never tasted so good!

The Witches of Orkney Series

Book cover image for The Blue Witch by Alane Adams

If you’re in the mood for a more magical school experience, check out the Witches of Orkney series, which includes The Blue Witch, The Rubicus Prophecy, and Witch Wars. The books follow the adventures of Abigail at Tarkana Witch Academy as she discovers her own unique magic, uncovers secrets about her past, and fights ancient evil.

More Back to School Books for Girls

Bring a little laughter to your schoolday with More Lunch Lines: Tear-out Riddles for Lunchtime Giggles by Dan Signer, a book of jokes you can tear out and share with your friends.

If you’re human, you’ll make mistakes, in and out of school. Learn to deal with them in How to Take the Ache Out of Mistakes by Kimberly Feltes and Eric Braun.

Sara feels lost in her huge middle school, which is nothing like the small Islamic school she used to attend … until she meets Elizabeth. It seems like they have nothing in common until Sara learns both their moms are applying for citizenship and they join forces to win a local cooking show in A Place at the Table by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan.

Research isn’t just for the school project you have due at the end of the month … it’s also how scientists make their discoveries. Learn more in Girls Research! Amazing Tales of Female Scientists by Jennifer Phillips.

For more on a master researcher, check out Marie Curie for Kids: Her Life and Scientific Discoveries by Amy M. O’Quinn, which includes 21 activities and experiments that you can do.

What about you? Have you read any of the books above? What are your favorite back to school books for girls? Share in the comments below!

Lacey Louwagie is an adult writer and editor who got her first editing job with New Moon Girls in 2002. She is currently a freelance writer and editor and stay-at-home parent of 2 little boys. She has been a teen services librarian and coordinates book-related goodies for New Moon Girls. She is the author...

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  1. I really like all theses book reports. I was wondering how I can get more involved in NMG. I get the magazine already. Does that mean I have joined?

    1. Yes! Everyone who gets the magazine is a member! You can get more involved by contributing content for the magazine. Learn how on page 3 of every issue.

    1. We’re glad you’re enjoying our book recommendations. There will be a new blog soon as our Books Editor Lacey returns from maternity leave in 2021. And welcome to NMG – we’d love to hear how you found out about it. We love all our members and a special greeting for our global members. Nancy