If you are anything like me, you have already started gearing up for back to school.  Just this week I loaded up on pencils and markers at Target, which was having a sale.  Whoo-hoo!

And what about backpacks?  A good one is essential, not only for hauling home countless pieces of paper and books, but to help ease the strain on little backs by counting on good construction, ergonomic design, and sturdiness.  Becuase if your kid is anything like mine, those backpacks take a beating.

Here are some that should easily see you through the year, from preschool to college!

JanSport – SuperBreak. One of the most popular and reliable backpacks out there, at a reasonable price!

The North Face – Jester Another classic, and not too hard on the wallet.

Quiksilver Kids – Ankle Biter A nice backpack for the preschool set.

JanSport – Big Student Another great Jansport product, this time for big students, just as the name implies. Perfect for college!

The North Face – Borealis A bit more utilitarian than the one above, great for laptops.

Hurley – One Backpack Hi-tech, with moisture-wicking material on the back padding!

Dakine – Prom Another hi-tech wonder, with an insulated cooler pocket! Good for laptops, too.

JanSport – SuperBreak W Old-skool style, with one main compartment and not too much else.

Quiksilver – Schoolie Backpack 10 Be the coolest surfer on the block! MP3 holder included!

JanSport – Wheeled Superbreak And for those who like wheels to save their backs, this one is for you.

I’ll just let him say it, since he does it so well.

From his speech to the NAACP’s annual meeting, via Gawker.

They might think they’ve got a pretty jump shot or a pretty good flow, but our kids can’t all aspire to be LeBron or Lil Wayne. I want them aspiring to be scientists and engineers, doctors and teachers, not just ballers and rappers. I want them aspiring to be a Supreme Court justice. I want them aspiring to be president of the United States of America.

Amen.