It’s back to school season! Transitioning from the carefree days of summer to the structured life of school can be challenging for both our youngsters and for for us. To make this journey as smooth as possible, I went ahead and curated for you this collection of some of the most popular first day of school books out there.
The books cover a wide variety of back-to-school experiences which kids will find entertaining and enlightening. For more materials for this special occasion, make sure to check our ‘Back to School‘ section for a treasure trove of resources, tips, and suggestions to equip your child for the amazing academic year ahead.
First Day of School Books
Here are our top picks for first day of school books, for more options, check out our comprehensive list of best back to school books for kids.
1- First Day Jitters, by Julie Danneberg
This book captures the nervousness of Sarah Jane Hartwell, who is starting at a new school. Despite her initial reluctance, she overcomes her fears with encouragement from Mr. Hartwell and makes friends with Mrs. Burton, easing her into the new environment. The story ends with an unexpected twist, making it a delightful read.
2- Wemberly Worried, by Kevin Henkes
This book focuses on Wemberly, a young girl who worries about everything, especially her first day of school. The story follows her journey of overcoming her anxiety, as she realizes that school is fun and there’s no room for unnecessary worrying.
3- The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn
This book is about Chester Raccoon who is anxious about starting school. To comfort him, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret known as the Kissing Hand. The story is a tender reassurance of parental love, especially during times of separation such as starting school, daycare, or camp.
4- A Letter from Your Teacher: On The First Day of School, by Shannon Olsen
This book is written from the perspective of a teacher welcoming new students on the first day of school. It conveys a warm and welcoming message that helps establish a strong bond between the teacher and the students.
5- Our Class Is A Family, by Shannon Olsen
This book emphasizes the significance of classroom unity. It teaches children that their classroom is a place where it’s okay to make mistakes, it’s safe to be themselves, and it’s important to be kind to others, making them feel like part of a special family.
6- All Are Welcome, by Alexandra Penfold
This book celebrates diversity and inclusion within a school environment. It emphasizes the idea that every child, irrespective of their background, is welcomed with open arms into the classroom, making it a perfect back-to-school read for children, families, and classrooms.
7- The Name Jar, by Yangsook
This book explores the struggles of Unhei, a new student from Korea, dealing with cultural differences, particularly with people unable to pronounce her name. The story unravels as she decides to choose an American name, only to realize that her own name holds the true essence of her identity.
8- School’s First Day of School, by Adam Rex
In an interesting twist, this book personifies the school as the nervous one on the first day. The school worries whether the children will like it and treat it well. As the day progresses, the school realizes that it isn’t the only one with first-day jitters.
9- It’s OK to be Different, by Sharon Purtill
This book highlights the beauty of individual differences and encourages acceptance and kindness towards everyone. It teaches children that they and others can be unique, and that kindness should be extended to all, regardless of their differences.
10- Your Name Is a Song Hardcover, by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow
This book follows a little girl who is upset because her teachers and classmates can’t pronounce her name correctly. After a heart-to-heart with her mother about the musicality and significance of names from diverse cultures, she feels empowered and ready to share her newfound knowledge with her class the next day.
Final thoughts
As our students and kids start another new academic year, our job as teachers and parents is to help make a smooth transition into the structured learning environment of class while enjoying the process. The books I featured in this post can serve as sources of encouragement and excitement for students, catalysts for creating joyous and memorable back to school experiences, and building blocks for lifelong learning.
