Books for Back to School

Get your littles ready for the classroom with these wonderful books for back to school! Whether they are nervous or excited, returning or starting for the first time, there is a book here for you. The list below includes picture books as well as chapter books.

Disclosure: I received complimentary copies of some of the books below for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no cost to you.

New Books for Back to School

Enjoy these books for back to school! Have your kids started back yet?

This beautiful book goes beyond the obvious as it looks at what a school is, really. Is it just a building? Or is it a community, growing together, where everyone is important? John Schu, well known as a teacher, librarian, and reading advocate, here celebrates everyone – from the custodians to the teachers, librarians, and community members – who make a school a loving, nurturing community where all can grow and thrive.

Buy This Is a School on Amazon or Bookshop

My kids adored the spunky star of Lupe Lopez: Rock Star Rules!, so I was thrilled to see her return in a new school adventure (available in English and Spanish). Known for being the first kindergartener in her school to start a rock band, now Lupe wants to be a reading rock star as well. But soon she discovers that reading is hard – and the class bully is quick to pick up on her difficulties. A terrific book for anyone who has ever tried and stumbled, as a reminder that the real rock stars are the ones who keep going when things are tough! I also love the Spanish sprinkled throughout the book, and how a teacher helps Lupe make the connection between reading and her beloved music.

Buy Lupe Lopez: Reading Rock Star on Amazon or Bookshop

Buy Lupe Lopez: ¡Estrella de lectura! on Amazon or Bookshop

Like so many children, Robin is loud and brave at home, but she suddenly becomes shy when she has to venture out. When she loses her lucky new headband on the first day of school, another shy kid comes to her rescue, and they soon discover the power of friendship in overcoming their nerves. A beautiful book about finding your courage through helping others be brave as well.

Buy Shy Robin and the First Day of School on Amazon or Bookshop

What would it be like to go to school on a boat, or in a refugee camp? What is school like in Finland or the Himalayas? This fascinating book gives children an inside look at schools around the world, from Australia to Uganda, including their main features (conservation of nature is essential when you go to school in the rainforest) and the role of teachers (teachers are also coaches as a sports school). A fun way to build empathy and curiosity about the lives of children around the world, as well as to give children a fresh perspective on their own unique schooling.

Buy Where Kids Go to School Around the World on Amazon or Bookshop

When my oldest was little, before trying something new, he enjoyed “researching” it through reading books together. He found it comforting to read picture books about exactly what was going to happen. We’re Going to School is just such a read, introducing young readers to the routine of school through showing diverse children preparing for and then attending school. Children will enjoy poring over each spread, as there is so much going on in each set of illustrations! A perfect book to read ahead of the start of school.

Buy We’re Going to School on Amazon or Bookshop

Many classrooms have a pet to care for, but this classroom has a class plant! A funny story about a class that comes to appreciate their class plant, who, it turns out, isn’t so boring after all! They are so excited by their class plant that they even organize a schoolwide appreciation day for him, showing that sometimes patience is required to appreciate someone’s true qualities. Includes tips at the back for caring for your own special plant.

Buy The World’s Best Class Plant on Amazon or Bookshop

Looking on the bright side can be tough, especially for a young boy experiencing homelessness. It is especially hard when he starts at a new school where no one seems interested in being his friend. But when broken machinery threatens to cancel a class party, his creativity and ingenuity help save the day and remind him of the importance of learning to make do with what you have.

Buy The Bright Side on Amazon or Bookshop

A young girl is worried because of the butterflies in her stomach are positively giant sized. But then her mother teaches her to embrace the butterflies and let them serve as a guide to new adventures! This sweet book from children’s musician Justin Roberts offers a wonderful shift in perspective that will help children feel more confident on their first day of school.

Buy Giant-Sized Butterflies on My First Day of School on Amazon or Bookshop

This book is a fun take on getting ready for school. After all, an unruly child is nothing compared to an unwilling octopus! Mixing in fascinating facts about these underwater creatures (such as why they are so good at hide-and-seek), it is a tribute to parents everywhere who struggle to get reluctant children to school – only to discover that in the end they are the ones who have trouble saying goodbye.

Buy How to Get Your Octopus to School on Amazon or Bookshop

Back to School Books for Kids of All Ages

Back to School Guide for Homeschoolers

Back to School: Top Ten Ways to Support Teachers