Back to School Book List

These books are great reads for the child heading off to school for the very first time, managing those first day jitters, or just on the theme of school. All these selections are available through the Sussex County Library System. You will find board books, picture books, easy readers, fiction, nonfiction as well as teen selections.

Updated July 29, 2024
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Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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Amanda Panda quits kindergarten
Ransom, Candice F.
Paper Book
Kindergarten has never been funnier with Amanda Panda--a hilarious, strong-willed new student who is about to take her school by storm--in this perfect back-to-school read! Amanda Panda has BIG ideas for her first day of school. But when things don't go according to plan, and...
Back to dog-gone school /
Schmidt, Amy,
Paper Book
Dog lovers and kids anxious about going back to school will be delighted by this photographic Step 2 reader with school-themed poems! From the bus stop to the last bell, the school day is covered. The easy-to-read poems were chosen and adapted from the delightful...
Back to school /
Brunstetter, Wanda E.
Ebook
Back to school, weird kids rule!
Gutman, Dan
Audiobook
With more than 12 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! Summer is almost over, and you know what that means--time to head back to school! But when a tropical storm ends A.J.'s vacation earlier than expected, he and his family have to stay at Andrea's...
Back to school, weird kids rule! /
Gutman, Dan
Audiobook
With more than 12 million books sold, the My Weird School series really gets kids reading! Summer is almost over, and you know what that means--time to head back to school! But when a tropical storm ends A.J.'s vacation earlier than expected, he and his family have to stay at Andrea's...
The Berenstain Bears go back to school /
Berenstain, Stan,
Paper Book
On the first day of the school year, Brother and Sister Bear are nervous and excited. But with tons of new stuff to learn and explore, by the closing bell they can hardly wait for day two! There's something for everyone in this quintessential back-to-school book from Stan, Jan, and Mike...
Bitsy Bat, School Star
Windness, Kaz
Paper Book
Three starred reviews! 2024 Bank Street Best Children's Book Selection A little bat struggles to fit in only to learn to celebrate differences in this "darling book for all children but especially those with autism" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)...
Breathe like a bear :
Willey, Kira
Ebook
Breathe Like a Bear is a beautifully illustrated collection of mindfulness exercises designed to teach kids techniques for managing their bodies, breath, and emotions. Best of all, these 30 simple, short breathing practices and movements can be performed anytime, anywhere: in the car to the...
Daddy's back-to-school shopping adventure /
Sitomer, Alan Lawrence
Paper Book
What do glow-in-the-dark glue sticks, an electronic garbage truck pencil sharpener, and neon paper clips have in common? Not one of them is on the list and yet they all end up in the back-to-school cart when Daddy, Jake, and Jenny pick out school supplies while Mommy's off shopping in another part...
David goes to school
Shannon, David
Paper Book
A companion to the Caldecott Honor-winning classic No, David!by bestselling picture-book creator David Shannon!David's teacher has her hands full. From running in the halls to chewing gum in class, David's high-energy antics fill each schoolday with trouble -- and are sure to bring a smile to...
The day you begin /
Woodson, Jacqueline
Paper Book
A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices! National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to...
First grade jitters
Quackenbush, Robert M.
Paper Book
Here is the story of a young boy who is about to enter first grade and doesn't know quite what to expect. Will his friends be there? Will he have to know how to read and spell? What if he can't understand anything his teacher says? Looks like a case of first grade jitters! Robert Quackenbush and Yan...
First grade stinks
Rodman, Mary Ann.
Paper Book
No share time! Only one recess! Writing is hard! The stories don't end right! FIRST GRADE STINKS! It is the first day of school and Hayley is excited. Things are different now. She isn't a kindergartener anymore; she is a big kid. She is a first grader. ...
K is for kindergarten /
Dealey, Erin.
Paper Book
Here comes kindergarten! Whether your little reader is gearing up for the first day or making her way through the school year, K is for Kindergarten will help guide them with silly rhymes and fun activities from A to Z.
Kindergarten luck /
Borden, Louise
Ebook
The King of Kindergarten /
Barnes, Derrick D,
Paper Book
The morning sun blares through your window like a million brass trumpets.It sits and shines behind your head--like a crown. Mommy says that today, you are going to be the King of Kindergarten! Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make...
The Kissing Hand /
Penn, Audrey,
Paper Book
School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. Since its first publication in 1993, this heartwarming...
Llama Llama back to school /
Duncan, Reed,
Ebook
A Netflix Original series From bestselling author and storyteller Anna Dewdney comes a back-to-school story featuring the beloved Llama Llama! Summer days are getting shorter and it's almost time for the first day of school for Llama! But Llama Llama isn't ready for...
Llama Llama misses Mama /
Dewdney, Anna.
Paper Book
Strange new teacher. Strange new toys. Lots of kids and lots of noise! What would Llama like to do? Llama Llama feels so new . . . It's Llama Llama's first day of preschool! And Llama Llama's mama makes sure he's ready. They meet the teachers. See the...
Monkey.
Brown, Marc Tolon
Paper Book
Marc Brown, creator of the beloved Arthur books and TV show, offers a charming new character-and a fun and reassuring story about preparing for the first day of school. Kindergarten is only a week away...but Monkey is NOT ready. What if he gets on the wrong bus? What if they don...
The night before first grade /
Wing, Natasha.
Ebook
It's the night before the Big Day--first grade. Penny is excited to start the year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore's classic tale has a perfect twist ending that will surprise readers--as well as the "heroine" of the story--and help...
The night before preschool
Wing, Natasha.
Ebook
It's the night before preschool, and a little boy named Billy is so nervous he can't fall asleep. The friends he makes the next day at school give him a reason not to sleep the next night, either: he's too excited about going back! The book's simple rhyming text and sweet illustrations will soothe...
On the first day of first grade /
Rabe, Tish.
Paper Book
On the first day of first grade, there will be lots of fun! This is the perfect book to share with a kindergartner getting ready for the step up to "big kid" school! From choosing books to read to building things with clay to performing in a play, there are many exciting firsts to look...
Pete the kitty's first day of preschool /
Dean, James,
Paper Book
Pete the Kitty is almost ready for his first day of preschool! Preschoolers and little ones getting ready to go to preschool for the first time will enjoy cheering Pete the Kitty's fun entry to preschool. It's a big day for Pete the Kitty: his first day of preschool! He...
Planet Kindergarten
Ganz-Schmitt, Sue
Paper Book
A genius way to ease kids into the new adventure that is kindergarten." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review This clever picture book will prepare young explorers to boldly go where they have never gone before: Planet Kindergarten. Suit up for a daring adventure as our hero...
The Queen of Kindergarten /
Barnes, Derrick,
Audiobook
A confident little Black girl has a fantastic first day of school in this companion to the New York Times bestseller The King of Kindergarten. MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom's special tiara on her...
Ready for kindergarten /
Freitas, Bethany V.,
Paper Book
A reassuring and empowering book for all incoming kindergarteners, especially those who wonder: Am I ready You are! The unknown can be scary and the first day of school intimidating, for kids and the grownups who love them. Perfect for easing nerves and increasing excitement,...
Rosie goes to preschool /
Katz, Karen.
Paper Book
"An outstandingly clear and reassuring entry into the crowded field ofgetting-ready-for-preschool books." -Booklist Who better to offer advice to children facing the first day of preschool than Karen Katz, the hugely popular, bestselling author of Where Is Baby...
Santiago's dinosaurios /
Râios Ramâirez, Mariana,
Paper Book
2023 International Latino Book Awards SILVER, The Mariposa Award (Best debut author) 2023 Best Books for Kids & Teens starred selection, The Canadian Children's Book Centre Santiago finds a way to connect to his classmates--through...
School day! /
Ransom, Candice F.,
Paper Book
It's time for school in this Step 1 reader featuring the family from Pumpkin Day!, Apple Picking Day!, Garden Day, Snow Day, andBeach Day! The start of the new school year means new friends and new experiences! It's big sister's first day of 3rd...
School's first day of school /
Rex, Adam,
Paper Book
"An essential purchase that is simultaneously funny, frank, and soothing. A perfect first day read-aloud."― School Library Journal, starred review A heartwarming and clever first day of school tale, from New York Times bestsellers Adam Rex (The Legend...
Splat the cat.
Scotton, Rob.
Paper Book
Hit the books with Splat the Cat in this funny back-to-school story! This 8x8 storybook adventure is perfect for the start of the school year. It's the first day of school, and there's only time for Splat to share one of his summer adventures with the class. Will it be the time he went...
Super Saurus saves kindergarten /
Underwood, Deborah.
Paper Book
Nothing can keep Super Saurus from conquering kindergarten in this funny story about a young dinosaur who learns how to be himself, with or without a cape--perfect for back-to-school and year-round storytime. Arnold has a plan. The evil...
Tiny goes back to school /
Meister, Cari.
Paper Book
Tiny is not obeying. He won't come when Elliot calls him, and he rolls over when he tells him to "sit." Looks like somebody needs to go back to school! Cari Meister uses simple language in this new level 1 reader to instill confidence in beginning readers. And because of that, it is a book young...
Ups and downs :
Wohnoutka, Mike,
Paper Book
In a feel-good concept book, the Geisel Award-winning illustrator of See the Cat gives young children a vocabulary for naming--and managing--their emotions. From delight to disgust, excitement to fear, worry to confidence, boredom to curiosity, feelings can shift in a...
We share this school :
Saks, Dan,
Paper Book
A rhyming, heartfelt celebration of school communities and the vital role they play in young children's lives. This formative board book is an appreciation of school communities and the many ways in which they help develop empathy, compassion, and collective responsibility....

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