At this age, your child needs something large enough for the much dreaded HOMEWORK, but it also can't be so large that it overwhelms their still growing bodies. We found some packs that are just the right size and come with a side order of cool. 

Check Me Out
Stand out in a crowd!The 18" x 12" x 5.5" bag features an interior organizer with pockets for pens and a cell. The lanyard keychain keeps keys always within easy reach. Roxy Fiddle Li Dee Backpack, available at roxy.com, $40.

Old School Style
Let us take you back to the days of L.L. Bean. Recall that retro style and help your child keep track of her stuff with a monogrammed junior original book pack designed with a comfy back panel and shoulder straps made especially for smaller backs and arms (now available in many prints and colors). L.L.Bean Junior Original Book Pack, available at llbean.com, $19.

Tree Hugger
Minimalist design of this PET (100 percent recycled plastic bottles) backpack with biodegradable canvas trim reflects the bag's love-mother-earth message. Bag is 14" x 15" x 5.5". Dante Beatrix Big Kid Eco Pack, available at dantebeatrix.com, $50.

Show Your Stripes
Double duty for sports nuts. It's a backpack that moonlights as a skate pack. External straps to hold a skateboard in place, an audio pocket with headphone port, and an organizer panel. He'll go straight from school to the skate park (if you say o.k.). This 20" x 12" x 8" pack even has a laptop pocket. Ogio Taylor Backpack, available at ogio.com, $54.

Prep School
Famed surf photographer Aaron Chang brings a bit of laid-back cool to his new line of funky-preppy backpacks. Bag is 18.5" x 13" x 7.5". Aaron Chang Backpack, find store locations at officedepot.com, $29.99.