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Books by Theme

Moving On, Moving Away, Moving In

Moving to a new home, new school, and new friends is a turning point experience a kid never forgets. The recommended books in this list for kids ages 0-9 touches on the whole mix of emotions from trepidation to excitement that moving day brings. You'll want to enjoy these warm, funny, empathetic books with your children, whether they're the ones moving or staying behind.

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Best Friends Together Again
Best Friends Together Again
By: Aliki
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Ever since Peter moved away (We Are Best Friends, 1982), he and his best friend Robert have kept in touch. Now that they’re together during Peter’s visit, the boys learn that while some things have changed, others, happily, have stayed the same.

Bravo Grace
Bravo Grace
By: Mary Hoffman
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Even though they talk by phone every Sunday, Grace has felt an “Aimee-shaped hole in her life” ever since her best friend moved away. But that’s only one of the changes Grace deals with in this engaging novel. Grace and her friends were first introduced in Starring Grace (2000).

Chester's Way
Chester's Way
By: Kevin Henkes
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Chester and Wilson are like peas in a pod. Not only do they do everything together; they do most things in the same way. Then, a new mouse moves in to the neighborhood and things will never be the same! Lilly (Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, 1996) is irrepressible and energetic, as Chester and Wilson soon happily find out.

Danitra Brown Leaves Town
Danitra Brown Leaves Town
By: Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

When Danitra leaves the city for a summer with her family in the country, she and best friend Zuri write to each other about their days. The free verse and softly hued, realistic illustrations convey the warmth of both summer and the girls' friendship.

Goodbye House
Goodbye House
By: Frank Asch
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

When the moving van is all packed, a small bear returns to say goodbye to the old house before moving to his new home. He and his family bid farewell to everything except the memories. Simple illustrations present a possible way to help younger children cope with a move.

How Are You Peeling? Foods With Moods
How Are You Peeling? Foods With Moods
By: Saxton Freymann
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Who would have thought that fruits and vegetables could express a cornucopia of emotions? The expressive produce are labeled with the fellings they are showing. Readers of all ages can identify with this clever book and will gain the words to use when presented with stressful situations.

I'm Not Moving, Mama
I'm Not Moving, Mama
By: Nancy White
Illustrated by: Thor Wickstrom
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A young mouse digs in his heels while his mother is packing up their house for the inevitable move. Adults and children will see familiar behavior when the small mouse insists that he’s not going. The satisfying conclusion makes this book especially helpful.

Maniac Monkeys on Magnolia Street
Maniac Monkeys on Magnolia Street
By: Angela Johnson
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Charlie (aka Charlene) doesn’t miss her old home on Monroe Street for long once she meets the kids on Magnolia Street. Each chapter is as lively as the young protagonist in this short novel.

Mitchell is Moving
Mitchell is Moving
By: Marjorie Sharmat
Illustrated by: Ariane Dewey
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

After years in his home, Mitchell, a dinosaur, builds a new house and plans to move. But Margo, his friend and neighbor, just doesn’t understand. Humorous illustrations combine with a familiar theme for a rollicking story.

Moving Day
Moving Day
By: Robert Kalan
Illustrated by: Yossi Abolafia
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A hermit crab is looking for the perfect home. He does ultimately find it, though getting there is what makes the fun. The comic illustrations add to the humor in this rhyming, cumulative look at the crab's move out and up.

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