The buzz of back-to-school time is in the air and as summer starts to wind down, both children and parents are filled with a mix of emotions and nerves. It’s a season of fresh starts and shifting routines, full of anticipation for what’s ahead. Whether your kids are packing their bags for their new classroom or powering up for homeschool, diving into the right story is a great way to kick off the year.
To help ease this annual transition, we’ve put together a list of books designed to turn first- day nerves into excitement. From a laugh-out-loud picture book to get your youngest ready for day one, to a thrilling page-turner to keep your middle schooler hooked, we’ve got you covered!
For Elementary School:
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes
La Senorita Nelson ha Desaparecido! By Harry Allard and James Marshall
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
The Night Before First Grade by Natasha Wing
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
For Middle School:
All of the Above by Shelley Pearsall
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Middle School, The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol
Real Friends by Shannon Hale
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm
We hope these books will help your kids kick off the new year with confidence. Wishing everyone a healthy, successful school year ahead.
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out our curated book list to find the perfect story for your child’s next chapter. Military families can request a free copy of the book through our United Through Reading app.