Books About School
Back to school season is a time of possibilities, full of both excitement and anxiety. Reading books about school can help ease children’s fears by showing them what to expect from the year ahead. The books below include ones specific about the start of the academic year as well as ones that help children think through some of the issues they might face at school. This list is primarily geared towards younger children, but it also includes a wonderful graphic novel for older kids.
Books about School
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.
Help calm fears and generate excitement about the new school year with these children’s books about school!
Starting preschool is exciting but also frightening for many children. In this sweet story, young Olu expresses his fears about his first day to his parents, who reassure him that, contrary to what his active imagination has conjured up, teachers are NOT scary monsters. The story takes us through Olu’s first day of preschool, as he realizes just how fun school can be. But the most significant discovery comes at the end of the day, when he sees himself and his teacher in the mirror and notices how much his teacher looks like him. An uplifting book to prepare kids for starting school. It also underscores how important it is for children to have teachers that reflect their communities. Written by a veteran teacher, the book includes tips for parents about getting kids ready for school.
Buy Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool on Amazon or Bookshop
This joyful look at first grade takes us through all the highlights of this exciting year of school, from new academic challenges to milestones in social emotional learning. Children get a preview of what a day in the life of a first grader looks like, including issues they might face, like loose teeth or misunderstandings between friends. The rhyming text adds to the upbeat feel of the book, which calms nerves by helping children become familiar with their new school routine. I love that this book covers a year that is full of changes but less often represented in children’s books about school, which, understandably, focus more on kindergarten and preschool.
Buy Primer grado, ¡allá voy! on Amazon or Bookshop
Also available in English as First Grade, Here I Come! on Amazon or Bookshop
Rostam is adjusting well to his new school in the United States, just three months after immigrating from Iran. That is, until his parents insist that he wears his father’s old posteen for picture day. The posteen is beautiful, soft, and warm. It is a symbol of pride in his Iranian heritage. But won’t the other kids think…that it’s weird? Yet Rostam discovers that when he is brave and shares his culture with his new friends, they are delighted! In fact, Rostam’s posteen ends up being the highlight of picture day for the whole class. A beautiful reminder that, although it takes courage to share the parts of ourselves that are different (and therefore “weird”), the rewards are often surprisingly positive.
Buy Rostam’s Picture-Day Pusteen on Amazon or Bookshop
Henry loves the routine of school, so when Mrs. Tanaka changes the schedule one week, Henry is not happy. Changing routines can be hard for many kids, but for someone on the autism spectrum like Henry, it can be especially distressing. He expresses his frustration to his teacher and friends but can’t get them to forgo the class parade that everyone else is so excited about, in order to have their usual Share Time. Yet in the end, Henry develops a solution, with the help of a classmate – a solution that neatly solves his problem of upset routines and noisy parades. I love that this chapter book has an autistic child as the main character (rather than someone who is talked about and explained). We see things through Henry’s eyes, helping neurodivergent kids feel seen and neurotypical kids develop empathy. Even more impressive, Henry comes up with his own creative solution to the problem, rather than being managed or rescued by someone else. A wonderful story that will help all children think through how to deal with their own frustrations when things go differently than expected.
Buy Henry, Like Always on Amazon or Bookshop
Jupiter Nettle has dreamed of getting into one of the fabulous Seven Schools of Magic, like Spellcasting or Alchemy. But when the only offer she receives is from the (ahem) decidedly less prestigious School of Earth Magic, disappointed doesn’t even cover it. Still, at least she is going to one of the Seven Schools! But when she is constantly teased about learning boring Earth Magic (which doesn’t seem to involve much magic at all), she wonders if the bully is right, and she doesn’t belong there at all. Yet when a villain attacks the school, Jupiter may be the only one who can help. Can she overcome her insecurities and save the school? A wonderful, inclusive graphic novel about feeling like you don’t belong, only to find out you are right where you are supposed to be.
Buy Jupiter Nettle and the Seven Schools of Magic on Amazon or Bookshop
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