Junie B., First Grader: Boss of Lunch

Reach for this book when your child is eager to prove they are a big kid but keeps bumping up against rules, authority, or their own impulsive choices. It perfectly captures the friction between wanting more independence and the reality of having to follow instructions in a structured environment. Junie B. gets the chance to help in the school cafeteria, a role she treats with high importance but little self-control. Through Junie B.'s hilarious and often misguided perspective, children see that making mistakes while learning a new job is a normal part of growing up. The story explores the balance of pride and humility, helping kids navigate the embarrassment that comes when a big responsibility goes slightly off the rails. It is an ideal pick for early elementary students who are beginning to take on chores or classroom leadership roles and need to see that it is okay to ask for help when things get messy.