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A guide to early learning: Back to school edition

A young girl waves in front a red brick schoolhouse. Behind her, a young boy walks up the steps into the school.
(Illustration by Eddy Mayer / For the Times)
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The 2024 Back to School Reading by 9 guide was created with support of the Ballmer Group. For parents and educators of children ages 0-5, this year’s guidebook features articles, activities, reading recommendations and more to encourage early education and literacy.

Dear parents, teachers and educators,

All of us have a favorite story. Whether it be a dragon-slaying fantasy, an adventurous journey to the center of the earth or a classic tale of a frog prince and princess, these childhood stories have enchanted past generations for years.

If you ask, a majority of us can recall being read these fairy tales within the first five years of our childhood. This period for any developing mind is most crucial. Whether we were cognizant of it or not, we began building and enhancing our early learning abilities. Through these fairy tales, young minds are pushed to think creatively about sequences of events, vernacular, interpersonal dynamics, emotions and actions. As we continue to pass these stories down, we continue to promote early childhood literacy while advancing academic preparation for children.

The Los Angeles Times Reading by 9 team aims to continue fostering this mission. This annual guidebook offers parents tools and resources to support at-home actions to aid early education and literacy. “The First 5 Years,” supported by the Ballmer Group, is structured to support English and Spanish bilingual development. Resources such as expert advice, at-home learning activities, book recommendations and, in an ever-evolving digital world, app recommendations are included to equip parents who do not know where to begin this journey.

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Together, we hope these resources begin the fairy tale of your child’s educational journey and introduce them to the enchanting world of literacy.

Set your little ones up for success. Learn how your child can be school-ready this fall in transitional kindergarten.

Introduce early literacy through reading and play

Practice phonics and “sound out” letters with your child.

Children’s desk

Book Recommendations

  • by Gabi Garcia, Natalia Jimenez Osorio

    With vibrant and modern images, this book is a celebration of differences. It teaches children that what they do can have a positive impact on those around them and the earth at large.

    Buy here

  • By Erin Winters, Kaitin Bucher

    This book is an affirmation for children who are quick to anger. It shows young children that they aren’t alone in their reactions and that all parents love their children, no matter what emotions they show.

    Buy here

  • By Beth Ferry, Tom Lichtenheld

    This sweet story about sticking up for your friends features only a few words per page, making it perfect for early readers. The simplistic artwork is charming. The text rhymes in English, making it easy to emphasize initial sounds.

    Buy here

  • By Lissette Norman, Sara Palacios

    Food is love. Food is comfort. Food is a celebration. Food is everything and plátanos fit all occasions. Feel a sense of belonging from plátanos and a family from the Dominican Republic.

    Buy here

  • By Angela Dominguez

    What could the baby dinosaur want to eat? An English-speaking bird suggests everything he can think of until the Spanish-speaking dinosaur suggests a bird … a blue bird. What should our narrator suggest then?

    Buy here

  • By Laura Lacámara, Yuyi Morales

    When Mama sings, the world floats. Her song lifts the people and animals around her not only emotionally but physically.

    Buy here

  • by Karen Beaumont, David Catrow

    After the sun disappears, people and animals are afraid. But a brave lizard refuses to give up until she brings back the light.

    Buy here

  • by Mary Lyn Ray, Rebecca Malone

    The good dog isn’t sleepy. He remembers playing in the sun. But he does like his bed. He likes the quiet night sounds. If he just closed his eyes, what might come next?

    Buy here

  • By Linda Ashman, Christian Robinson

    Perspective is everything. When an older man who hates the rain runs into a young girl dressed as a frog, her happiness rubs off on him.

    Buy here

  • By Juan Moreno, Hazel Quintanilla

    Duckie loves his shoes! Each pair has a different use. Learn to read color words with this cute book filled with animals.

    Buy here

  • by José-Luis Orozco, Sara Palacios

    Classic preschool songs fill this bilingual book. Sing the ABCs, “Wheels on the Bus,” “Old MacDonald” and more. Notice the differences and similarities in the Spanish and English versions together.

    Buy here

  • By Angela Dominguez

    Two giraffes meet a baby ostrich in this bilingual book about feelings. See the funny illustrations of the giraffes as they act out the emotions to try to figure out how the ostrich feels.

    Buy here

Literacy Programs

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Libraries

Los Angeles Public Library

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Los Angeles County Library

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Orange County Public Libraries

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This supplement did not involve the editorial or reporting staff of the Los Angeles Times except where noted.

The guide is free to parents, educators and organizations working with children and families. To contact us with comments and questions or to receive more information, email public.affairs@latimes.com.

Los Angeles Times Public Affairs manages philanthropy, community engagement and corporate social responsibility at the nation’s largest metropolitan daily news organization. We broaden perspectives, empower storytellers and inspire our community to question and transform the world around them. For more information, visit latimes.com/readingby9.

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