The first day of school can feel like the scariest adventure of all. Max's stomach twists as he waits at the bus stop. Lila adjusts her cochlear implants, worried about what her classmates might think. Jordan doodles and jokes, hiding her own nerves with a big grin. Together, these three kids step into the first day of fourth grade — a day filled with questions, laughter, soccer games, noisy lunches, and the start of something even bigger: friendship. Through shy smiles, raised hands, and brave choices, Max, Lila, and Jordan discover that the first day isn't about getting everything perfect. It's about showing up, asking for help when you need it, and remembering you don't have to face it alone. Max and Lila: The First Day Back is the first book in a new illustrated chapter book series for readers in fourth grade and up. Each story follows Max, Lila, Jordan, and their classmates as they tackle the challenges of growing up, supporting each other, and finding their voices in and out of school. Perfect for classrooms, read-alouds, or independent reading, this series is especially welcoming to kids who feel nervous, different, or unsure where they fit. Whether it's worrying about the first day, navigating a disability, or simply being the "new kid," Max, Lila, and Jordan remind us that everyone deserves a place at the table. For any child who's ever worried about the first day — this is your story too. And it's only the beginning.