Picture Books
These back to school books are all great for read alouds during the first couple of weeks! If you leave them out, students will be picking them up to reread the rest of the year. Also, they are great for parents to read at home. Click on any images to get more information about each book from Amazon.
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
Miss Bindergarten is in just about all early elementary classrooms, right? Will you be reading this one this fall?
If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
A long time favorite and can be read any time of year! It’s a lot of fun for kids and inspired tons of adorable projects and crafts. Just Google and see!
The Pigeon HAS to go to School by Mo Willems
This is a newer book, but students adore the Pigeon so it’s a must have! Add it to your back to school books.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
A beautiful story that I found three years ago. Definitely see if you can get your hands on a copy!
Turkey Goes to School by Wendi Silviano
Turkey is hilarious and endearing! My second graders love his books (there are now at least 5 Turkey books)!
Our Class is a Family by Shannon Olson
This is a newer book to share with your class and build some classroom community.
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneburg
First Day Jitters is a classic read aloud for back to school. I tell my students that I ALWAYS have the jitters! Doesn’t matter that this will be my 24th year teaching – jitters will abound!
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
A heartwarming book that celebrates diversity and uniqueness in naming! It is also a reminder to make sure you find out before school starts or right away from your students how to pronounce their names correctly. Write them out phonetically if you need to and practice. Students will feel respected and appreciated!
Chapter Books
You always have to have a few great chapter books for those voracious readers. Here are two suggestions for back to school books.
How NOT to Start Third Grade by Cathy Hapka
This is a funny Step into Reading Book that will have your students engaged and nice to add to your back to school books.
Back to School, Mallory by Laurie Friedman
Looking for a chapter book or something different to read for back to school or put on your “special’ bookshelf? This might be it!
More Back to School Blog Posts for You!
- 5 Back to School Activities for the Win
- 8 Ways to Use Pop Its to Engage Learners
- Teachers’ Favorite Planners
- 10 Read Alouds that Might be New to You
