“Harry has been to day care before.”

From Emily Jenkins’ Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School.

As the first day of first grade approaches, Harry grows more and more nervous. Despite his mom’s encouragement and his older sister Charlotte’s promise that it’ll be okay, Harry is reluctant to attend. After meeting his new teacher, Mrs. Peek-Schnitzel, and a few familiar classmates, Harry bravely joins the ranks of the first grade, though his experience is not without some hiccups. While Harry is able to quickly bond with most of the kids that he shares a table with, Harry struggles to know how to deal with the sometimes-bully that sits next to him. When Mrs. Peek-Schnitzel announces that the class will be focusing on learning to count to 100, culminating in a big celebration on the 100th day of school, Harry and all his classmates are excited for the promised academic adventure. As the days go by, Harry shared his love of Fluff Monsters with several kids in his class, unknowingly faces his fear of Guinea pigs, gets better at reading, struggles through boring assigned classroom jobs, and learns to use his words when emotions run high, but as the 100th day approaches—and the assignment to bring in 100 of something special—Harry must find a way to bring his first 100 days to a great end.

This story features a very interesting concept, especially for young readers preparing for or currently experiencing the same things. The illustrations throughout the book really help to connect the various characters and happenings. While the majority of the Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School is straightforward, there are some elements that some parents might consider too woke for young readers.