Back to School with Stories

Reading recommendations to kick off the school year and spark imagination

As the new school year begins, what better way to spark curiosity and imagination than with books that bring the classroom and all its challenges to life? Here’s a selection of titles from Bambú, organized by age group and genre, that explore school from different perspectives. From humorous illustrated books to reflective young adult novels, there’s something for every reader.

Illustrated stories for early readers: Where learning and language become an adventure

And That’s Why I Don’t Like Cats by Carmela Trujillo | Humorous Realism
For homework, Martina must write about an animal she dislikes, sparking a funny story full of childhood memories and a surprising twist.

I’m Not Little Red Riding Hood! by Teresa Blanch | Magical Realism
Andrew inherits his sister’s red hooded coat and discovers it has magical powers, learning that identity and surprises can hide in everyday objects.

Tweens & Teens Stories: Adventures and challenges that explore teamwork and friendship

Let’s Get to Work! by Carmela Trujillo | Contemporary Realism
Twins Ada and Valentina open an orangeade stand to raise funds for an animal shelter, finding lessons in resilience, friendship, and the hidden side of being popular in class.

The Year of the Cat by Jaume Copons | School Life & Social Realism
A stray cat in class changes everything, teaching responsibility, empathy, and teamwork.

Send Your Child to Mars by Fernando Lalana | Science Fiction & Coming-of-Age
Elisa is sent to summer school on Mars, where friendship, responsibility, and unexpected discoveries change her life.

Novels for YA: Confronting bullying, identity, and resilience in teenage years

The Lead Key by Carlo Frabetti | Mystery & Adventure
A family inheritance becomes a puzzle that rewards generosity, with one of the heirs dreaming of using the legacy to create a very special school with an innovative approach.

The Dangerous Herd by David Nel·lo | Psychological Realism
A retiring teacher reflects on her career and a student who challenged expectations, revealing the struggles, courage, and resilience of misfits facing bullying in school.

The Sad Dahlias by Daniel SanMateo | Poetic Realism
Mayeli navigates love, betrayal, bullying, and family struggles, finding reconciliation and growth through reflection and poetry.

From fantasy to realism, these stories show that school isn’t just in the classroom but anywhere curiosity, courage, and imagination come to play. Welcome back!

* Header image by Diego Mallo, created for the cover of The Dangerous Herd.