5 Great Books for Kids Who Are Going Through School Withdrawal

Miss Nelson Is Missing!, by Harry G. Allard Jr. and James Marshall
Sometimes kids just don’t know what they have until it’s gone. Such is the case with the students in Miss Nelson’s class in this classic children’s tale first published in 1977. Rather than lecturing her misbehaving students, Miss Nelson simply “disappears” one day. In her place, witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp shows up to really teach the kids a lesson. This quirky read will put kids right back into the classroom they so miss and perhaps even remind them of all the things they love about their own teachers. (Ages 4–7)

Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling
If your kiddos haven’t started the Harry Potter books yet, now might be the perfect time. Located inside Hogwarts Castle, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry certainly makes for a magical distraction from missing regular school. Harry Potter’s institution is “the finest school of witchcraft and wizardry in the world”—at least according to Hagrid and likely the numerous wizards and witches who received their training there over the years. Kids can explore the halls of this enchanting place and follow Harry and his friends on their many adventures. (Ages 9–12)

Matilda, by Roald Dahl
Young Matilda is brilliant, but her genius has gone unnoticed by her self-centered, disinterested parents. It’s actually her teacher, Miss Honey, at Crunchem Hall Primary School who notices her prodigious talent. A warm and nurturing soul, Miss Honey has “that rare gift for being adored by every small child under her care”—a wonderful characteristic that many kids might attribute to their own favorite teachers. Miss Honey encourages, supports, and believes in Matilda, despite her being turned down for advanced placement by the school’s horrid Headmistress Trunchbull. But after Trunchbull goes after Matilda’s beloved teacher, the gifted little girl decides to use the psychic powers she has learned to tap into to seek revenge against Trunchbull and her boorish parents once and for all. (Ages 8–12)

The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body, by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen
The kids in Ms. Frizzle’s class know to expect the unexpected when it comes to their zany teacher and her field trips. And it’ll definitely quench your own kiddos’ thirst for knowledge and being back in the classroom. After studying how the human body turns food into energy, Ms. Frizzle’s students think they’re going to the museum to see a related exhibit. But then suddenly the Magic School Bus shrinks and gets to visit the inside of a real human body. (Ages 6–9)

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, by Megan McDonald
In the 10th installment of Megan McDonald’s popular chapter book series, Judy thinks this is going to be a super-fun summer—until she finds out her parents are going to California and leaving her and her little brother, Stink, with Aunt Opal. Plus, her two best friends are going away for the summer too?! Ugh! But Judy is determined to turn this bummer of a summer around with one of her super wacky plans—and it might make your school-missing kiddos want to do exactly the same thing! (Ages 6–9)
What book would you recommend for kids missing school?