

Personification at its finest!įirst Day Jitters, by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Judy Love School’s First Day of School, by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson Why we love it: Because kids aren’t the only ones who get nervous for that very first bell on that very first day.

Why we love it: Because anxiety before a new school year is universal, and students will find their various fears reflected back to them in these sensitive, poignant poems. Without further ado, here are our picks!Ī New School Year: Stories in Six Voices, by Sally Derby, illustrated by Mika Song While not every story has an underlying “back to school” theme, each brings something special and important to the table, setting the foundation for a school year filled with kindness, inclusiveness, and a celebration of self.

Here are my eleven favorite books for back to school, both old and new, including stories about first day jitters, setting expectations, building community, nurturing empathy, and being a leader among peers. So what are you waiting for? Grab some books and let’s get our little ones prepared for an inspiring and fulfilling new year! Whether it is making sure no child feels invisible on the playground, or reminding them that teachers get as nervous as students for that first day, reading will do wonders for your child’s social-emotional well being. It is hard to believe that summer is nearly over!Īs you begin to prepare your kids for the fact that school is just around the corner, why not infuse some back to school books into your nightly bedtime reading routines? Reading with your children is the perfect way to help alleviate their anxieties, give them confidence to navigate those nerve-wracking first days of class, and, perhaps most importantly, remind them of the importance of having kind hands, kind hearts and kind words. In just a few short weeks, our children will be sharpening their pencils, laying out their uniforms, and heading back to the classroom.
