First Day Jitters (The Jitters Series)

In the spirit of an honest review I have to admit I purchased this book for myself. I am a 46 yr old man who found himself with a case of the “jitters” on his first day on the job and thought this book may be of some assistance, plus it had a lot of pictures. What really surprised me was how closely my first day followed Sara’s first day, almost to the letter. My wife tried to get me out of bed as well..I told her I wasn’t going and tried to tunnel to the end of MY bed after she pulled the ‘ol open the blinds and let the sun in trick. Telling her I hate my new job didn’t work..she packed me up and sent me off. Jitters and all. I carried my Star Wars lunch box and paperback copy of First Day Jitters under my arm..honestly, its all that got me through that first day dealing with my new co-workers and new boss that pederast Hanarhan who is just bucking for a new promotion. Ah well..the book got me through a tough first day and now those jitters are just flutters. Still have no desire to go to work though..

My students enjoy having this book read aloud every school year as part of September's back to school theme. There's a "surprise" ending, and even though my students all now know it, they still giggle at the end of the book. Google "Jitter Juice" to add some fun to your read aloud. It's a great book that shows students anyone can have back to school jitters; they're not alone.

I really like this book and read it every year on the first day of school to my second grade classes! It's a great way to start a class discussion and make the kids feel comfortable and that it's normal to be nervous on the first day. We share how each of us felt that first day and things we were nervous about like not knowing anyone. The story is about Sarah Jane Hartwell who starts the book in bed with the pillow over her head telling who we think is her father that she doesn't want to go and start over and that she's worried no one will like her. She finally gets out of bed and dressed and tries to hide in the car slouched down when the principal comes over and says they were wondering where she was and that she'd walk her to class since she's new. The book has a surprise ending when we find out that Sarah is the TEACHER and nervous about starting at a new school with a new class.

I bought this in my first year of teaching and it summed up how I was feeling and of course as most teachers are, I get nervous on the first day even though I've been teaching for years. The kids in class always love knowing that even teachers get nervous about the new school year and students - it makes teachers seem more human and relateable to the kids, which I really like.

I'm giving this 4 stars because the illustrations are HIDEOUS. The colors are fine and so are the background details, but the illustrations make the people's faces look distorted, exaggerated, and frightening. I also didn't like that the teacher says she'll "hate" her new school several times - I don't think that's the best choice of words so I replace that word when I read it aloud each year.

Overall, this is a great book to start the school year with!