New teachers, new textbooks, and the same old grilled cheese and canned peaches in the lunch line! Some things never change, but September is also chock-full of new starts for kids. Find out what's new -- and hot! -- this back to school season:

1. Plushy Packs
This year backpack straps are plusher and wider than ever before, reflecting continued concern about the strain on kids carrying heavy loads of books. High Sierra's high-end backpacks ($29.98-39.98) include the Board Pack, featuring dual straps with compression arms to hold a skateboard or jacket, and the X-Pack, with lots of organizer features. Available at Staples.

2. Messenger Bags
Messenger bags are a hot accessory for cool Manhattanites; now they're expected to make a huge fashion statement in school. Target is carrying messenger bags in denim and corduroy; Gap Kids has them in neon-colored nylon, with lots of organizer pockets. The bags are definitely trendy, but not at all sturdy. The thin straps offer little protection for overburdened shoulders.

3. Wheeled Backpacks
Target and other retailers report brisk sales of the wheeled backpack this year, the best possible choice in terms of ergonomics. Kmart sells one with the Backstreet Boys on the side. Others feature Scooby-Doo and an assortment of kid-friendly movie characters.

4. Detachable Lunch Bags
Some specialty toy stories, including the Learning Express chain, are stocking a nylon backpack with a matching lunch bag that attaches to the outside of the backpack with Velcro for easy removal. Made by Shalam Imports, New York, the backpacks retail for $15.99.

5. Denim Lunch Bags
A perennial favorite, denim accessories are even hotter than usual this year, probably because western-style clothes are all the rage this fall. Pecoware makes a soft-side, insulated denim lunch bag, covered with studs and sparkles ($12.99), available at Learning Express and other specialty toy stores.

6. Stretchy Fabric Book Covers
These book covers made of stretchable fabric made their debut in school supply stores last year and were an immediate sell-out. No more measuring, cutting taping; just slip "Book Sox" over a book binding and throw in the wash whenever it gets grubby! This year's crop features funky patterns and bold colors. Available for $3.98 at Staples and other retailers.

7. The Athletic Look
From the pages of parenting magazines to the shelves in major retail outlets, the hottest trend in kids' wear this year is sports-related clothing. Target and Wal-Mart are stocking lots of brightly colored rugby and varsity shirts, while Gap Kids has yoga pants for girls in gray and baby blue.

8. The Western Look
Ride 'em, cowboy: the western look is very big for fall. Along with denim in every shade and style, stores are also stocking lots of suede and leather clothing, with turquoise and silver accessories to match. Shear ling vests, while not inexpensive, are a huge retail hit at Gap Kids.

9. The "Old World" Look
Also showing for fall in upscale children's boutiques is a European look that recalls what the Von Trapp Family might have worn while skipping through the Alps! Look for suede shorts and pants, scalloped, lacy collars, boiled wool and fleece jackets embroidered with flowers.

10. Zipper-Pull and Carabiner Watches
A neat idea from Hogwild Toys: tiny digital timekeepers that double as zipper pulls ($6.99) and carabiners ($8.99.) A timely edition to backpacks and belt loops that helps keep busy kids on track!