Are you looking for back to school books to help your first grader prepare for the new school year? Look no further! In this blog post, we will share our picks for the best back-to-school books for first graders. From picture books to chapter books, we have something for everyone. So, whether your child is anxious about starting first grade or just looking forward to meeting new friends, these books will help get them ready for a successful year!
How I go about choosing books: I think it’s extremely important to curate a classroom library that hits the following marks:
- Represents all types of students
- Contains factual information and representations
- A wide variety of writing and illustration styles
- Showing marginalized groups not as constantly facing and overcoming struggles, but also as normal everyday human beings (read: students should see BIPOC characters in books long before Black History Month).
I strongly recommend following Vera @diversereads for THE best book recommendations across all grade levels.
*Steps off soapbox*
Okay–I’ve collected some of my favorite titles for Back to School. Some are specific to BTS season; whereas others on this list are also great reads any time of year. Here we go!
Grade-specific Back-to-School Books
Back to School Books: The One About Kindergarten
The King of Kindergarten is a fun story about a little boy named Enzo who is starting kindergarten. He is the oldest in his family and has always been the “king” of his home. But now that he’s starting school, he realizes that he might not be the king anymore. He has to share everything with his classmates and follow rules that he’s never had to follow before. But as Enzo adjusts to life in kindergarten, he learns that being the king isn’t always better than being part of a team. This book is perfect for kids who are starting kindergarten; they’ll see that change can be hard but it can also be really good!
The Other One About Kindergarten:
Going to Kindergarten has a special place in my heart because a friend of mine, Diane Romo, wrote this. I had the privilege of reading it to my own daughter who is entering Kindergarten this upcoming school year. When I tell you I was in awe, I’m not saying it for the sake of supporting my friend. This book was so great for conversation starters about all the possible things to worry about, be excited about, and what to expect in Kindergarten. Highly, highly recommend for parents and teachers.
Back to School Books: The One About 1st Grade
First Grade Jitters is a hilarious story about a little boy named Bart who is starting first grade. He is so nervous about his first day that he can’t even eat breakfast. When he finally gets to school, he finds out that his teacher is just as nervous as he is! This book is perfect for kids who are starting first grade or who might be a little bit scared of their teacher. It will show them that there’s nothing to be afraid of and that their teacher is just another person who wants to help them learn and grow.
Back to School Books to Calm Nerves
Back to School Books: The One For Kids Scared to Meet Their Teacher
My Teacher is a Monster! is a hilarious story about a little boy named Bobby who is starting first grade. He is excited to meet his teacher, Ms. Kirby. But when he finally meets her, he thinks she is a monster! With her big teeth and hairy arms, Ms. Kirby seems like anything but a friendly first grade teacher. But as Bobby gets to know her better, he realizes that she is just misunderstood and that she’s actually really nice. This book is perfect for kids who might be a little bit scared of their teacher; they’ll see there’s nothing to be afraid of and that their teacher is just another person who wants to help them learn and grow.
Pssst…Want a set of paperless discussion slides for any read-aloud? (Spoiler: it even comes with a random question generator you can click on any time you gather on the carpet for a good book!)
Back to School Books: The One About Names
The Name Jar is a beautiful story about a little girl named Unhei who is starting first grade. She recently moved to the United States from Korea and is worried that her classmates will make fun of her name. So, she decides to pick a new American name. But as she gets to know her classmates, she realizes that they are just as interested in her culture as she is in theirs. And that maybe, just maybe, her own name is the best name after all. This book is perfect for kids who are new to their school community; they’ll learn the importance of being themselves and celebrates the beauty of diversity.
Bonus: Pair this with this getting to know you game and you’ve got yourself the ideal first day combo!
Back to School Books: The One About
How to Get Your Teacher Ready is a funny story about a little girl named Mia who is starting first grade. She is very excited about the new school year but she has one big problem: her teacher isn’t ready! Mia tries to help her teacher get organized and learn all of the things she needs to know for first grade. But no matter how hard she tries, it seems like nothing she does is right. This book is perfect for kids who are starting first grade or who are struggling with following rules and expectations. It will show them that even grown-ups need help sometimes and that it’s okay to make mistakes.
Back to School Books: The One About Inclusion and Acceptance
All Are Welcome is a beautiful story about a school community that comes together to support one of their own. When a new student arrives at school, he is met with some challenges. He doesn’t speak the same language as his classmates and he doesn’t know how to do all of the things they can do. But with the help of his teacher and classmates, he soon learns that he belongs just as much as anyone else. This book is perfect for kids who are starting school or who are feeling different or left out. It shows them the importance of inclusion and acceptance.
Back to School Books: The One About The First Day
Not to be confused with First Grade Jitters, “First Day Jitters” By Julie Danneberg is a charming story (with a great surprise ending) about a little girl named Sarah who is starting first grade. She is nervous about everything, but with the help of her family and friends, Sarah soon learns that there is nothing to be afraid of and that first grade can be a lot of fun! Spoiler alert: Sarah is the teacher! This is sure to give students the confidence they need to start their own school adventure!
There are so many great back-to-school books out there! These are just a few of our favorites. What are some of your favorite back-to-school books? Let us know in the comments!
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