Gear up for the classroom with these titles recommended by the state’s public librarians

» "Chu’s First Day of School," by Neil Gaiman, ages 4 to 8: The little panda with the big sneeze is nervous at first. He learns what his classmates do best and then gets to show them his stuff.

» "Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten," by Hyewon Yum, ages 4 to 7: Roles are reversed when it’s Mom who is worried and her son embraces kindergarten! Mom wonders whether he has all of his supplies and if he’ll have time to eat. But he reassures her that she’ll "make new friends, too."

»"Just Jake," by Jake Marcionette, ages 8 to 12: This book was actually written by a sixth-grader! Jake and his family move from Florida to Maryland, and he has to start all over in a new school. Just what are his "Rules of Awesomeness," and what if his "Kid Cards" fall into the wrong hands?

» "Wonder," by R.J. Palacio, ages 8 and older: Previously home-schooled, Auggie Pullman worries about starting fifth grade. New-school jitters are normal for everyone, but for Auggie they are extreme. Even after 27 surgeries, his face still has what the doctors call "anomalies." Auggie knows that inside he is a normal kid, but will everyone react to him based only on his looks?

»"It’s Time for Preschool!" by Esme Raji Codell, ages 2 to 4: This cheerful and welcoming book introduces children to the world of preschool. It covers many activities that make up the preschool day and also the emotions children might feel as they begin this new experience. It is a helpful book for parents to share with children before that momentous first day.

» "Kindergarten Diary," by Antoinette Portis, ages 3 to 5: Annalina provides a day-by-day account of her first month in kindergarten and shows readers all the new and exciting things to look forward to: meeting her teacher, playing on the monkey bars, sharing with show-and-tell, writing lessons and making new friends. Her confidence grows as she settles into her new routine, and soon she looks forward to first grade.

»"The Year of Billy Miller," by Kevin Henkes, ages 5 to 8: Billy Miller starts second grade with a bump on his head and a lot of worries, but by the end of the year, he has developed good relationships with his teacher, his little sister and his parents, and has learned many important lessons. This first chapter book for emerging readers is also a great read-aloud choice.

» "Six Months Later," by Natalie D. Richards, ages 14 to 18: Chloe nods off in study hall on a sleepy summer day. When she wakes up, snow is on the ground, and she can’t remember the last six months of her life. Before, she was a mediocre student, and now she is on track to be valedictorian.

» "Eleanor and Park," by Rainbow Rowell, ages 14 to 18: Eleanor has bright red hair and a thrift-store wardrobe. Park wears "guyliner" and reads comics. They don’t fit in anywhere except with each other.

» "Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong," by Prudence Shen, ages 13 to 18: Nate and Charlie are friends. Charlie is captain of the basketball team, and Nate is the neurotic president of the robotics club. But when Nate declares war on cheerleaders, guess what happens?

»"Counting by 7s," by Holly Goldberg Sloan, ages 12 to 16: Willow has never fit in, but when her adoptive parents are killed in a car crash, things change in the most unexpected ways.

Nonfiction

»"School Made Easier: A Kid’s Guide to Study Strategies and Anxiety-Busting Tools," by Wendy L. Moss, ages 10 to 14: Do you ever get nervous before a big test or presentation? Do you cram to finish long-term assignments? This book shows upper-elementary and middle-school students how to identify stress and manage its symptoms. It also offers many tips on how to practice positive self-talk, keep homework organized and improve study skills and self-esteem.

» "Bound-for-College Guidebook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding and Applying to Colleges," by Frank Burnett, ages 14 to 18: This guidebook offers information about the school-to-college transition in an organized, user-friendly approach. School counselors explain what students need to know during the college exploration, decision-making and application process.

» "The How-To Handbook: Shortcuts and Solutions for the Problems of Everyday Life," by Martin Oliver, ages 12 to 18: Tips and tricks that every teen needs to know, from how to unstick chewing gum to how to treat a burn.

» "SSAT/ISEE: Secondary School Admissions Test/Independent School Entrance Exam," by Kathleen Elliott: This manual prepares students to pass the Secondary School Admissions Test or the Independent School Entrance Exam, used as admission requirements by many private secondary schools, including many of the private schools in Hawaii. It includes extensive practice and review exercises in verbal skills, reading comprehension, analogies, essay writing and mathematics.

» "PSAT/NMSQT: Strategies, Practice & Review with 4 Practice Tests," by the staff of Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions: The PSAT and the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test determine eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship and indicates preparedness for the SAT.

» "Cracking the SAT with 5 Practice Tests," by Princeton Review: This e-book edition of "Cracking the SAT" has been optimized for on-screen viewing with cross-linked questions, answers and explanations. It includes practice tests, content reviews and drills, techniques for test taking and gives access to more practice and resources online.

» "Math and Science Workout for the ACT," by Princeton Review: This e-book offers advice on the math and science tests from Princeton Review ACT experts, techniques for mastering the most common math and science questions, and includes full-length practice tests with answer keys and explanations.

» "Make It Stick: the Science of Successful Learning," by Peter Brown: Drawing on recent discoveries in cognitive psychology and other disciplines, the authors offer concrete techniques for becoming more productive learners.

» "Straight-A Study Skills: More Than 200 Essential Strategies to Ace Your Exams, Boost Your Grades, and Achieve Lasting Academic Success,"by Cynthia Clumeck Muchnick and Justin Ross Muchnick: An easy-to-use approach to learning important study skills and achieving academic success. Topics include getting the most out of class time, developing effective study habits, finding a note-taking system that works for you and more.

» "How to Study," by Ronald W. Fry: This seventh edition includes information including creating an effective work environment, standing out in class, using the library and conducting research online.

Get blessed at shrine for academic success

The Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha-Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu offers its annual back-to-school education blessing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 3.

The annual blessing is free, and part of an ancient tradition honoring educators and students of all ages so they may enjoy learning and persevere in their studies.

Some families like to bring children dressed in back-to-school outfits, along with school backpacks and supplies, but participants are not required to bring anything.

The Shinto shrine is at 1239 Olomea St. For more information, visit www.e-shrine.org or call 841-4755.

NIna Wu, Star-Advertiser

Remington College students will provide free haircuts to kids

Remington College is once again offering free back-to-school haircuts during August.

The sixth annual Cuts for Kids event offers free haircuts to kids ages 17 and under by students enrolled in the Paul Brown Institute at Remington College cosmetology program.

During Cuts for Kids, Remington will also collect school supplies in exchange for a free haircut, manicure or pedicure for adults. All school supplies will be donated to local schools.

The institute at 1132 Bishop St., Suite 550, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays.

To schedule an appointment, call the Paul Brown Institute at Remington College at 587-8448. Walk-ins also are welcome.

Nina Wu, Star-Advertiser