20 Books to Read Aloud at the Beginning of the School Year
The beginning of the school year brings so much excitement! One of my favorite things about the beginning of the year is getting to read so many wonderful books to my class. I have a huge collection of books that I love to read during the first month of school.
These 20 books are some of my favorites to read aloud. They are perfect for building community, teaching rules and procedures, and character education.
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 1. The First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
 2. The Invisible Boy by Tracy Ludwig
3. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
I love using this book at the beginning of the year. It’s the perfect lead-in to introduce everyone and get to know each other’s names.
4. The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
This is another great book to read when you are discussing names and getting to know each other.
5. Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Really, any book by Kevin Henkes is a good choice.
6. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
This is a cute book about being proud of who you are, which is always a great message for kids.
7. Tattle Tongue by Julia Cook
This is the perfect way to lead into a discussion about tattling vs. reporting.
8. Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
I just love Wodney Wat 🙂 He can’t pronounce his R’s and always gets teased, but saves the day at the end.
9. The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Laura Murray
I always read this book on the first day of school. Then, we go on a scavenger hunt around the school.
10. Quiet Please, Owen McPhee by Tracy Ludwig
11. The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill
12. The Pigeon HAS to go to School by Mo Willems
Kids LOVE the pigeon, so this is definitely a must-have!
13. How I Spent My Summer Vacation by Mark Teague
I love so many of Mark Teague’s books because the illustrations are wonderful. This one is perfect for the beginning of the school year.
14. The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi
The message in this one is wonderful for all students and how they may have not accomplished certain things, YET.
15. School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
This book comes from the perspective of the actual school building’s feelings about the first day of school.
A dinosaur’s first day of school with human classmates make it challenging for her.
18. Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners by Laurie Keller
19. Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Spoon thinks that Fork, Knife, and Chopsticks have it much better than him, but he learns how special he is. I also recommend 
20. My Mouth is a Volcano by Julie Cook
This is a great book to talk about interrupting and how to control your thoughts until it is time to speak.
Which Back to School books would you add to the list?
Would love these!
Excellent list! Please consider adding
Ruthie and the not so Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin
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Another name book that I have that reminds me of The Name Jar is You Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow!