Bounding back to school

Before kids hit the books, they'll be hitting the stores -- with Mom and Dad in tow -- to shop for school. A new grade doesn't guarantee a closet full of new clothes, but most of the elementary and middle school set will get to pick up a few favorite things along with some No. 2 pencils and color-coordinated folders. We took a tour of the malls to see what's going to be hot in the hallways of local schools. Homework can wait, but these stylish students have their wardrobes ready.

Going into: First grade at St. Rose of Lima.

Wearing: Tommy Hilfiger jacket from Albertville, tutu from Macy's, shirt from Children's Place, hat and scarf from Abercrombie & Fitch and shoes from Gap.

When she wears this outfit: Free dress days at school. Otherwise there's a uniform.

Favorite subject: "Math, because you learn and it makes me smarter."

Going into: Kindergarten at Hayden Heights Elementary School.

Wearing: Mossimo outfit from Target.

Best part about going back to school: "Making new friends."

Worst part: "Getting up early."

Going into: Third grade at Yinghua Academy (Chinese Immersion Charter Elementary School).

Wearing: Skirt, top, hat and blazer from the Children's Place.

What she did for summer vacation: "Swimming at [my friend] Lucy's cabin -- in the hot tub and Lake Superior."

Back to school must-haves: Supplies, Silly Bandz and sweaters.

Going into: Fifth grade at Farnsworth Aerospace Elementary School.

Wearing: Ensemble from Target.

Favorite part about the outfit: "Pockets."

Favorite subject: "Recess."

Wearing: Mossimo dress from Target.

Favorite subject: Art.

Buy or bring lunch? "Both."

Favorite lunch: Mashed potatoes and gravy.

Going into: Fifth grade at Island Lake Elementary School.

Favorite store: Claire's.

Activities: Soccer. "I play midfield and defense."

What she did for summer vacation: "Went to the Badlands [in South Dakota]. They're like mountains."

Going into: Third grade at Rush Creek in Maple Grove.

Wearing: Tutu Couture tutu, sparkly T-shirt and Uggs.

Favorite subject: Reading.

What she did for summer vacation: Went to Waikiki, Hawaii. "I went to the beach and swam with sea turtles."

Going into: First grade at Benjamin E. Mays International Magnet School.

Wearing: Akademiks button-up shirt and vest, and Jordans (shoes).

Do you like to shop? "No, I let my parents."

Worst part: "Having to pay attention."

Going into: Seventh grade at Highview Middle School.

Wearing: Skinny jeans and tee from Abercrombie & Fitch and Adidas shoes.

Must have for back to school: iPhone 4.

Favorite subject: "Science, because I like to experiment with stuff and I like to build stuff."

Going into: Fourth grade at St. Rose of Lima.

Wearing: Skirt from Herberger's, shirt from Macy's, hat from Justice, boots from Marshall's and sweater from Gap.

Hats at school? Not allowed.

Favorite stores: So-So and Justice.

Nickname: Bigfoot. "I wear the same size as my mom."