Starting a new school: why reading books about new beginnings is helpful for children’s development, with author Abena Eyeson

September 29th 2025

Whether it's a new pupil joining an established class, or a whole new cohort has started Year 7, sharing a class read can help establish common emotional ground amongst a whirlwind of new feelings and changes.

Author Abena Eyeson saw these big changes in her own children's lives and was inspired to explore the starting school experience in her latest middle grade book, Running my own race. Following aspiring athlete Kofi as he faces a new school, bullying, pleasing his parents, and following his dream, this middle grade title is a really enjoyable read and ideal for sharing with a class. On the blog, Abena Eyeson speaks about the inspiration behind Running my own race, and explains why reading offers vital emotional support to children as they start school or begin new chapters in life.

Abena Eyeson | Author Abena Eyeson was born in Ghana but has lived in the UK since the age of 12. She has won accolades for the FAB Prize, Jericho Prize and TLC Pen Factor. She writes picture books, educational non-fiction and has self-published YA. Running my own race is her first middle grade novel. DISCOVER Running my own race

Running my own race: exploring children's emotions when starting a new school

Starting a new school can be daunting and challenging.  As a mum of three children, I have seen the myriad of emotions that my kids went through, starting school for the first time, plus when they moved to a different primary school and started secondary school – anticipation, anxiety, excitement, worry amongst other things.

In my contemporary middle-grade novel, Running my own race, one of the central themes is starting a new school. Eleven-year-old Kofi gets a scholarship to an expensive private school where his talent for running is recognised.  This spurs him on to go for his dream of becoming a professional sprinter.  Then he discovers that going for your dreams is not easy as he faces challenges inside and outside of his new school, including bullying by a rival on the track at school and feeling pressured by the expectations of his mother and the community in which he lives.

How can reading help support pupils' feelings during times of change?

A novel like mine, as well as other children’s fiction about starting school, can help allay some of the feelings that a reader may be experiencing as they face this period of change and uncertainty. Fiction on starting a new school is important for children as it helps to normalise the experience, offers emotional support by allowing kids to connect with characters facing similar situations, provides a safe space to explore issues, and helps build empathy and resilience.

1. Reading offers reassurance to children about their emotions

If the reader has gone through or is about to go through a similar situation to what they are seeing on the page, it can give them reassurance and perspective, realising that they are not the only ones going through this.  It can help them even recognise and put a name to the experiences and feelings they have faced or are facing.

2. Reading opens up conversations and discussions between pupils, teachers, and families

Reading fiction about someone starting school might lead to the reader asking questions to an adult or an older child, leading to conversation and a discussion.  Perhaps bringing up things the reader may have been thinking about but had not previously vocalised, perhaps feelings of anxiety, loneliness, etc.  Furthermore, the story being read could allow the child to be exposed to experiences that are new to them, broadening their horizons and helping to develop empathy.

3. Reading encourages resilience

Additionally, reading about a child starting school and facing challenges but working things out in the end, may give the child reader the wherewithal and understanding that even if they are struggling, they will get through it and things will get better.

Running my own race Kofi's mum is determined he's going to be 'somebody'. But when Kofi is given a place at a prestigious private school because of his athletic ability, everything changes. Kofi dreams of being a professional athlete - but he soon finds following your heart isn't an easy road. Can Kofi find a way to follow his own path? £5.91   Save 26% DISCOVER

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