Favorite Books For Back To School
At this point during summer, teachers feel rested and relaxed. Additionally, their minds are often spinning with back-to-school planning. For some, this is coming up with new classroom management strategies. For others, this is creating more differentiation in lessons. On top of this, teachers are always looking for great books to read to their classes! This allows students to listen to a fantastic book, rest their minds, and share connections. Thankfully, this list of my favorite books for back to school with Amazon Affiliate links has amazing options! There is something for everyone on this list.
A Letter from Your Teacher on the First Day of School by Shannon Olsen
This heartwarming picture book helps ensure students feel welcome in their new classroom! It shows students how their teacher is someone they will form a special bond with. This includes having someone to teach them, cheer them on, and provide a caring, safe environment.
This is one of my favorite books for back to school to set the tone for a fantastic year!
If I Built a School by Chris Van Dusen
In this story, Jack dreams of building a new school. It would have hover desks and pop-up textbooks. It would even have skydiving wind tunnels and a trampoline basketball court! Then, a robot-chef would serve lunch before heading on a field trip to Mars. Students will love hearing Jack’s new ideas on every page.
I Got the School Spirit by Connie Schofield-Morrison
Students will love the school spirit in this book!
A little girl is ready to cheer on the new school year! So, she spreads this happiness to all of those around her.
Honestly, this is one of my favorite books for back to school to help every child feel excitement over the new year!
The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems
Mo Willems is always a student favorite!
In this story, Pigeon wonders why he has to go to school. He already knows everything! Truthfully, he has lots of fears, such as not fitting in.
Students will love cheering Pigeon on as he heads to school.
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneburg
Sarah Jane Hartwell is so nervous to begin a new school year. She doesn’t know anyone and fears the first day will be awful. With the help of her dad, she heads to school. While she is initially shy, her teacher reminds her everyone at school gets the jitters!
This is one of my favorite books for back to school to help students shake out their nerves.
How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan
Students will love this story since kids are in charge!
On each page, students give tips and tricks for preparing a teacher. This includes the first day of school, field trips, assemblies, and holiday concerts. Soon, students will see that getting their teacher ready helps them prepare.
This is such a humorous story!
Back to School Rules by Laurie Friedman
Percy is ready for an adventure. However, this adventure occurs in school. Thankfully, Percy shows students what not to do in school. Students learn valuable tips, such as not throwing spitballs or running in the halls.
How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst
This hilarious and endearing story is one of my favorite books for back to school!
While the octopus would rather stay home and play, he has to go to school. So, the octopus takes readers through the struggles it takes to get him ready to leave his house. However, this first starts with actually finding him!
Parents who struggle to get their children ready for school will love this book!
Dad’s First Day by Mike Wohnoutka
Oliver loved spending summer with his dad. From playing together to reading, they spent so much time together. So, when it’s time for Oliver to start school, his dad isn’t ready to let him go.
When the first day of school comes, his dad does not feel well. However, Oliver is not convinced he is sick and doesn’t want to miss the first day.
In this charming story, Oliver and his dad tackle new adventures and beginnings together!
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Chester Racoon is not ready for school in the forest. So, Mrs. Racoon tries to calm his fears by sharing a family secret. Readers will love learning about the Kissing Hand and how it gives reassurance of her love whenever Chester is scared.
Honestly, this is one of my favorite books for back to school that helps students not feel so nervous.
The Paper with No Name by Alex Powers
Teachers spend hours sorting papers with no names each year. Now that news is spreading that there is a paper with no name, students see all sorts of craziness.
Students will love the silliness in this book and the important reminder to put their names on paper.
You’re Finally Here by Melanie Watt
Waiting for anything is hard! So, students see all of the emotions as the bunny bounces through these feelings. The entire story is funny and energetic as readers learn about patience and welcoming someone new.
Sorry, Grown-Ups, You Can’t Go to School! By Christina Geist
This role-reversal book is an amazing way to help students get excited about returning to school.
Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Bow-wow, the dog, want to go to school so bad! So, they are sad when they find out it is only for kids and teachers. However, the conversation between the child and family creates perfect excitement about going to school!
This is one of my favorite books for back to school that shows how enjoyable going to school is.
The Girl with Big, Big Questions by Britney Winn Lee
One little girl always has great questions brewing in her curious mind. However, asking some of these questions tends to make some people uncomfortable. So, she stops asking. She quickly realizes that asking these questions is how people learn and grow. Thankfully, her curiosity returns on her journey for knowledge.
This is one of my favorite books for back to school to show students the power of asking questions.
Milk Goes to School by Terry Border
Everyone knows the first days of school can be challenging. There are a lot of adjustments to make. So, Milk’s dad gives her a fun new backpack and tells her she is creme de la creme. Sadly, her classmates disagree with this. Instead, they think she’s a bit spoiled.
This hilarious picture book teaches classrooms to value and respect every classmate!
Want to see more options? Check out 20 Books to Read Aloud at the Beginning of the School Year!
Thankfully, there are so many favorite books for back to school. This helps ensure there is something for everyone- no matter how they feel! Students will love starting the year with these fantastic stories!
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