With the new school year starting, some back-to-school books are just what our kids need to get them excited for learning and growing. Here’s a list of books you can read aloud and enjoy together this fall.
The new school year is almost upon us. Normally, our kids would be dreading the end of the long and lazy summer days, or looking forward to a chance to see old friends as social activities gear up again.
But this fall is probably going to look a little different than ones in the past. It’s also going to look different for all of us depending on where we live and how we school our children – whether at home, in class, or online.
A little anxiety as kids go back to school is expected, but we as parents have to manage that anxiety. Our own and our children’s. Let’s recognize that this return to classes may be more worrisome than in the past, but also look forward to the great opportunities and benefits that come with it.
Let’s be a little more vigilant about germs and staying healthy. And let’s do what we can to teach our kids proper hygiene and how to social distance when necessary.
But let’s also focus on special school supplies, new subjects to learn, and the excitement of a new class, teacher, and friends.
And to do that, I’ve compiled a list of our favorite back-to-school books that are perfect for reading in the days and weeks leading up to the first day of school.
These are all great for elementary school kids, enjoyable for kindergartners on up. So, gather the family together for a fun read aloud that will get everyone in the spirit of going back to school.
The Best Back-to-School Books for Elementary School Kids
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If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
Adorable and funny, these Mouse books are great for kindergartners and up. Read about how Mouse equips himself for his first day of school.
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems
The beloved pigeon in this book series has to go to school, but all the pigeon can think about is what if…? Kids will relate to the questions and worries of the pigeon as they get ready for their first day.
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes and Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Even if your child isn’t going into kindergarten, this book is full of encouragement for anyone walking into a new class/school this year. You’ll love the hero’s endless enthusiasm for school!
The Night before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing
This is the perfect book to prepare your younger kids for everything that will go on during their first day of school. Great bedtime read! This series also has The Night before Preschool and The Night before First Grade.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
This is a beautiful book about feeling different and still having the courage to try to connect with others. A great reminder about acceptance and inclusion as our kids go back to school.
If You Ever Want to Bring a Alligator to School, Don’t by Elise Parsley
Here’s the story of a little girl who has a bad idea for her class’s nature show-and-tell: An alligator. This is fun and silly, and if your kids like it, there are lots more in the Magnolia Says DON’T series, like this one.
This School Year Will Be the Best! by Kay Winters
Every kid starts the school year with expectations and this book addresses them, from the tame to the wild. This is a great way to start a conversation about what your child hopes will happen this coming year.
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
New schools are tough and this book addresses the nerves that can accompany change. Heartwarming and sweet, it’s great for kids who are anxious about starting in a new school or grade. (Finish the year off with another great one from this author: Last Day Blues!)
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
I love this book. It’s about a Korean girl who comes to the US and is not sure what her classmates will think of her name, so she says she will choose one the following week. This is a sweet story about identity and acceptance – a perfect back-to-school book.
Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard
This classic about a misbehaving class that learns to appreciate their sweet teacher after a mean substitute takes her place is hilarious and a good lesson, especially for our more rambunctious children!
The Exceptionally, Extraordinarily Ordinary First Day of School by Albert Lorenz
This is another great book for kids nervous about the first day of school, especially a new one. John has first-day jitters and conquers them by telling elaborate and hilarious stories of his old school.
The Berenstain Bears Go Back to School by Stan, Jan, & Mike Berenstain
Another classic that address the totally normal nerves that accompany a new school year. This book follows Brother and Sister Bear as they go through their first day and all the challenges and newness they encounter.
Get Out of Bed! by Robert Munsch
This story is hilarious, about a girl who stays up late and won’t get up in the morning. Perfect if you have some night owls or not-morning people in your family.
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
Centering on a little girl who is repeatedly excluded, this book spotlights how little kindnesses can mean so much. It’s a little longer and a great read for upper elementary school kids.
It’s Back to School We Go!: First Day Stories from Around the World by Ellen Jackson
Show your kids that they’re not alone in their worries and expectations for going back to school with this book. It tells the story of different children in different countries, and how they spend their first day of school.
For the Right to Learn by Rebecca Ann Langston-George
I like this book in particular for the kids who aren’t really keen on schooling. It’s a picture book about Malala Yousafzai and her fight for the right to be educated. I think it’s a good reminder that going to school isn’t a guarantee for many.
The Gigantic Turnip by Aleksei Tolstoy
Originally a Russian folktale, this book is about a man who grows a turnip too big to pull from the ground. With more and more helpers coming to his aid, it’s both hilarious and heartwarming.
Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
This is a playful and cute take on the Golden Rule. It’s a perfect back-to-school book as it helps highlight both manners and empathy for our kids.
I hope you and your kids enjoy these wonderful back-to-school books as much as we do. First day nerves are normal, but preparing with stories that both make us laugh and think will help ease our kids back into the swing of things.
Happy reading!
Looking for some more recommendations for kids’ books? Check out these popular posts:
10 Best Book Series for 2nd Grade Girls
10 Best Book Series for 2nd Grade Boys
The Best Books for Your Beginning Reader
10 Best Books for 3rd Grade Boys
The Best Books for 4th Grade Girls
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
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