The Kissing Hand
Ages 3-8 1 of 15
This book speaks gently to any child who is worried about a new chapter in life. When Chester Raccoon is nervous about going to school, his mother kisses his paw and places it on his cheek, allowing her to always be with him. This story stuck with my daughter so deeply, she and I kissed each other's palms every day at the bus stop for her first two years of elementary school.
Sumi's First Day of School Ever
Ages 3-7 2 of 15
Sumi is a Korean immigrant who goes to school only knowing "My name is Sumi" in English. Beautifully showing the loneliness of being in a new environment and culture, kids in similar situations will read how scary situations can quickly get better. Plus, any kid will see how making new students feel welcome can make all the difference.
The Class
Ages 4 and up 3 of 15
This fun, rhyming text follows 20 kindergartners on the morning of their first day of school and shows how different kids with varying feelings about school come together to make a wonderful class.
We Don't Eat Our Classmates
Ages 4-7 4 of 15
Penelope Rex is a lovable dinosaur who must resist her instinct to eat her human classmates, which is obviously a struggle because they look so delicious. "We Don't Eat Our Classmates" teaches empathy, forgiveness and impulse control, and if your little one likes to communicate with their teeth, it's a "no biting" lesson told in a fun way.
First Grade, Here I Come!
Ages 4-6 5 of 15
Incoming first graders will enjoy the journey this book takes them on, from the first day of school to the last. It's sure to have them excited big time about being first graders!
All Are Welcome
Ages 4-8 6 of 15
A beautiful book about inclusion, "All Are Welcome" takes big ideas of diversity and community and states them simply through the eyes of a classroom full of kids from different backgrounds, reminding all of us that at school, all are welcome.
Sarabella's Thinking Cap
Ages 5-8 7 of 15
A book for all the daydreamers who may not fit the conventional classroom setting, "Sarabella's Thinking Cap" combines an introduction to school expectations while celebrating imagination and creativity.
Judy Moody was in a Mood
Ages 6-10 8 of 15
Judy Moody is fun and feisty, but she's in a "mad-faced mood" about third grade. This book series is perfect for kids easing into chapter books and is perfect for elementary-aged kids who are dealing with any annoyances at the beginning of the school year.
Wonder
Ages 8-12 9 of 15
August Pullman took the world by storm when he leapt off the pages of R.J. Palacio's No. 1 New York Times bestseller and into our hearts. Born with a facial difference, Auggie had been unable to attend mainstream schools until fifth grade. We follow his journey to be seen as ordinary, and we hear the stories of those closest to him as they all navigate the journey. Sparking the "Choose Kind" movement, "Wonder" is a celebration of kindness, friendship and the courage to surround yourself with the right people.
Ms. Bixby's Last Day
Ages 8-12 10 of 15
It's unusual that a book about sixth-graders skipping school would be included in list of back to school books, but this story of three students on a quest to give their beloved dying teacher a memorable last day makes for a surprisingly relatable tale.
Ghost
Ages 10 and up 11 of 15
At only 180 pages, the story of Castle "Ghost" Crenshaw is short enough to not deter reluctant readers, which is great because this National Book Award finalist is perfect for kids who aren't frequent fliers at the library. The contemporary speech of the characters, the focus on the sport of track, and the way topics like abuse, bullying and misguided teens making bad decisions are handled with care make this a book teens and adults will love.
The Lightning Thief
Ages 10-14 12 of 15
In the first book of the wildly popular Percy Jackson series, we meet Percy, a demigod who has both ADHD and dyslexia. Born from a nighttime story he made up for his own son who was dealing with these issues, author Rick Riordan created a series of books that are famous for turning nonreaders into superfans, including his own son. In "The Lightning Thief", kids will learn about Greek mythology in relatable terms, be taken on breathtaking adventures and be reminded that kids with struggles often become heroes.
The Lightning Thief
Ages 10-14 13 of 15
In the first book of the wildly popular Percy Jackson series, we meet Percy, a demigod who has both ADHD and dyslexia. Born from a nighttime story he made up for his own son who was dealing with these issues, author Rick Riordan created a series of books that are famous for turning nonreaders into superfans, including his own son. In "The Lightning Thief", kids will learn about Greek mythology in relatable terms, be taken on breathtaking adventures and be reminded that kids with struggles often become heroes.
The Lightning Thief
Ages 10-14 14 of 15
In the first book of the wildly popular Percy Jackson series, we meet Percy, a demigod who has both ADHD and dyslexia. Born from a nighttime story he made up for his own son who was dealing with these issues, author Rick Riordan created a series of books that are famous for turning nonreaders into superfans, including his own son. In "The Lightning Thief", kids will learn about Greek mythology in relatable terms, be taken on breathtaking adventures and be reminded that kids with struggles often become heroes.
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