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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 1, 2026
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Sussex County Library System (NJ) Sussex County Library System (NJ)
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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.

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Arthur's back to school day /
Hoban, Lillian
Paper Book
Brrr ... ing! There's the school bell! It's the first day back at school for Arthur and Violet and all of their friends. Time for riding the school bus, going to class, and best of all, eating snacks and playing games at recess. But this year the first day is full of...
Back to dog-gone school.
Schmidt, Amy.
Paper Book
Back to school /
Brunstetter, Wanda E.
Paper Book
Rachel's back in school in Lancaster County! And that's where trouble finds her once again! Except this time, trouble is spelled O-R-L-I-E. That's the name of the new boy-the freckle-faced kid with a nasty cowlick-who has an ornery attitude when it comes to Rachel. From mixed-up school lunches...
Back to school, backpack! /
Rich, Simon
Paper Book
In this hilarious yet reassuring back-to-school picture book, a backpack deals with first-day-of-school nerves and feeling out of place. Filled with crowded hallways, lonely cafeteria tables, toilet stalls, and the signature existential angst of Simon Rich, this fun read-aloud will have kids braving...
Back to school, weird kids rule! /
Gutman, Dan
Paper Book
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
Paper Book
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 rules
Friedman, Laurie B.
Paper Book
School's in session! When it comes to surviving school, Percy's at the head of the class. If you can follow his ten simple rules, making the grade will be a piece of cake (and school will be a lot of fun). But there's more to school than showing up on time and staying awake in class. If...
The Berenstain Bears back to school /
Berenstain, Stan,
Paper Book
On the first day of the new school year, the Berenstain cubs are reminded that though school is a challenge, it can also be fun.
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
Paper Book
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...
Countdown to kindergarten
McGhee, Alison
Paper Book
It's just ten days before kindergarten, and this little girl has heard all there is to know--from afirst grader--about what it's going to be like. You can't bring your cat, you can't bring a stuffed animal, and the number one rule? You can't ask anyone for help. Ever. So what do you do...
The crayons go back to school
Daywalt, Drew
Paper Book
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The hilarious Crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit are ready to go back to school in this mini hardcover book! Purple Crayon loves math! White Crayon loves reading! The Crayons are getting ready to go...
D.W.'s guide to preschool
Brown, Marc Tolon.
Paper Book
D.W., Arthur's fun and sassy little sister, stars in this humorous guide to a child's very first day of school. From naps to snacks to playtime, D.W. covers it all in this helpful and hilarious guidebook to a very important rite of passage. Full color.
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
Perfect for nervous/excited kids about to go to school (and their parents!), this engaging story convinces parents and children alike that there is no place cooler than a first-grade classroom. Time to shake those jitters! Here is the story of a young boy who is about to enter first grade...
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. ...
The first week of school /
Beckmeyer, Drew,
Paper Book
Follow along as an ensemble cast of characters experience an extraordinary first week of school in this hilarious picture book from Caldecott Honor-winning author-illustrator Drew Beckmeyer! It's the first day of school. An artist wonders if her drawings are good enough to show....
Goodnight school /
Bailey, Catherine
Paper Book
School's First Day of School meets Good Night, Gorilla in this irresistible bedtime story about School getting ready to go to sleep! As the sun sets, a security guard arrives to help this sleepy little school get some rest. From tucking in chairs to checking all the locks to listening to the...
The Goodnight Train Ready for School
Sobel, June/ Huliska-Beith, Laura (ILT)
Paper Book
All aboard the Goodnight Train in this night-before-school companion to The Goodnight Train Halloween and The Goodnight Train Easter. Features peek-a-boo die cuts on every page! The engine chugs slow and steady. Get your brand-new...
How to start kindergarten /
Hapka, Cathy
Paper Book
A hilarious Step 2 reader about starting at a new school! David is the new kid at school, and is worried about fitting in. Steve is NOT worried about fitting in, and tells David, "Just do what I do and you will be great!" But when David listens a little too well, Steve has...
Jojo vs. middle school /
McCullough, Joy
Paper Book
After having hilariously terrible first days of sixth grade, four girls vow to ride out the super highs and cringe-worthy lows of middle school together, no matter how awkward it gets, in this first book in the Team Awkward middle grade series. Jojo has everything planned out for...
Kindergarten diary
Portis, Antoinette.
Paper Book
* Outreach to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) * Lead promotion at 2010 ALA Annual, including TENTATIVE finished book giveaway * Extensive F&G distribution at conferences * School & Library...
Kindergarten Gets Ready
Danis, Naomi
The book every new kindergartner needs to get them excited for school, brought to vibrant life by Pete Oswald, the New York Times bestselling artist of The Good Egg. Join kindergarten teacher Mr. Bee as he gets ready for the new school year. Watch as...
Kindergarten hat /
Lawler, Janet.
Paper Book
Carlos Abredo is scared to start kindergarten, but a special teacher with an amazing hat helps give him the confidence to start the school year with a smile. "A practically perfect first-experience story, especially for anxious hearts and gentle spirits." Kirkus...
Kindergarten is cool!
Marshall, Linda Elovitz
Paper Book
When you wake up for school you'll get dressed, really cool with your sneakers and socks and your lunch in a box . . . Kindergarten's begun. Big kids say that it's fun. But is that really true? ...
Kindergarten luck /
Borden, Louise
Paper Book
What makes a lucky day? One gloomy morning Theodore found a bright, shiny penny on the way down to breakfast. There was Abraham Lincoln, face up. What luck!  'Oh THANK you, Mr. Famous President!' Theodore said.  And he tucked that shiny, new...
Kindergarten rocks! /
Davis, Katie
Paper Book
Dexter is ready for kindergarten. Sort of. Well, actually, he's maybe kind of a little bit scared, perhaps even terrified, one might say. Because what if he gets lost? Or, what if the teacher is mean? Or, he misses his mom or dad? Or, worst of all, he loses his most important ally, Rufus?
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...
Llama Llama back to school /
Duncan, Reed,
Paper Book
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
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER . Join Llama Llama as he attends his first day of preschool in this charmingly illustrated picture book, perfect for introducing little ones to a big milestone. Strange new teacher. Strange new toys. Lots of kids and lots of noise!...
Luis's first day :
Schuh, Mari C.,
Paper Book
Luis is nervous about his first day of school, but his dad reminds him to have courage. Luis introduces himself to other kids at school, participates in class, and learns that courage is key!
Maisy goes to preschool /
Cousins, Lucy.
Paper Book
Going to preschool is a lot more fun with a friend like Maisy to show you the ropes! Preschool for Maisy means a day filled with friends and things to do, from the time she hangs her coat on a special peg to the time she says good-bye. There’s painting and snack time,...
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...
My kindergarten /
Wells, Rosemary
Paper Book
It's the first day of school, and Emily and her friends are welcomed into the exciting world of kindergarten by Miss Cribbage. The first day marks the beginning of a whole year's worth of new experiences and discoveries: learning the alphabet, drawing a map, counting to ten, telling the time and...
My preschool /
Rockwell, Anne F.
Paper Book
Join a happy little boy during a day at preschool, from cheerful hellos in circle time, to painting colorful pictures and playing at the water table before snack time. The best part of saying good-bye at the end of the day is that the little boy knows he will come back tomorrow. In...
The night before first grade /
Wing, Natasha.
Paper Book
NATIONAL BESTSELLER . Putting an uplifting spin on a classic poem, this charmingly illustrated and lyrical picture book prepares kids-and their parents!-for all the firsts that first grade has to offer. "T'was the night before first grade. I kissed my dog Clover.<...
The night before kindergarten
Wing, Natasha.
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER . Putting an uplifting spin on a classic poem, this charmingly illustrated and lyrical picture book about starting kindergarten will help kids-and their parents!-prepare for the big day. "T'was the night before kindergarten, And as...
The night before preschool
Wing, Natasha.
Paper Book
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...
Off to kindergarten
Johnston, Tony
Paper Book
"I'm off to kindergarten now. I'd better take my bear. He likes to sit beside me, so I'll take a little chair..." On his way to his first day of kindergarten, a boy thinks about what he might need: his bear, a chair, a pillow, cookies, milk, paints-even his swings-until Mom explains that his teacher...
Old School
Korman, Gordon
Paper Book
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Unteachables comes a hilarious story about a boy who is homeschooled in his grandmother's retirement community...until he is forced to go to public school.  Dexter Foreman is twelve going on...
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 meets his cool...
Pinkalicious :
Kann, Victoria.
Paper Book
"­Students who are learning to read will enjoy visiting a vibrant kindergarten ­classroom with ­Pinkalicious." --School Library Journal Pinkalicious gets a kindergarten buddy in this Level One I Can Read, brought to you by #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Kann! ...
A pirate's guide to first grade /
Preller, James
Paper Book
Arr!It's the first day of first grade, and it's all hands on deck for a young pirate and his crew. How much trouble can they get into? What will they do at recess? And, most important, what treasure awaits them at school?
A place called Kindergarten /
Harper, Jessica.
Paper Book
The animals in the barn are in a tizzy. Tommy didn't show up at his usual time! The dog tells them Tommy is gone-a big yellow bus took him to a place called kindergarten. "Where is kindergarten?" they exclaim. "What will happen to Tommy there? Will he ever come back?!" Eventually Tommy bursts...
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...
Princesses Love School!
Mcnish, Bri Marie
Paper Book
Inside this beautifully illustrated picture book, readers will get to join fan-favorite Disney princesses Belle, Cinderella, Mulan, Tiana, Ariel, Moana, and Raya as young girls during their first day of school! As the princesses go through the day's events in their own worlds,...
The Queen of Kindergarten /
Barnes, Derrick,
Paper Book
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,...
Ruby Bridges :
Bridges, Ruby
Paper Book
Acclaimed civil rights icon, Ruby Bridges, shares the touching tale of reuniting with the first-grade teacher who changed her life, Mrs. Henry. Once again, you have shown me that you never get too old to learn. Teaching really is the noblest of professions. When Ruby...
Sarang Saves the School
Howley, Korena Di Roma/ Oh, Joowon (ILT)
Paper Book
"In an uplifting authorial picture book debut, Di Roma Howley introduces a spirited protagonist. . . . Oh's carefully lit digital illustrations emphasize Sarang's sunny optimism, and fond intergenerational interactions depict shared learning and wisdom at every age." --Publishers Weekly...
School /
McCully, Emily Arnold
Paper Book
*School will be featured in the HarperCollins booth at major institutional conferences, including TLA, IRA, ALA and NCTE *A finished book will be sent to a list of 550 large school and public library systems and influential librarians and...
The school book
Parr, Todd
Paper Book
With his trademark bright colours and bold lines, Todd Parr introduces readers to a perennial source of childhood anxiety and excitement both: school! From morning routines to meeting new people to learning and playing together, Todd explores all the different things that can happen in school, all...
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, and Beach Day! The start of the new school year means new friends and new experiences! It's big sister's first day of...
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...
Schoolyard rhymes : kids' own rhymes for rope skipping, hand clapping, ball bouncing, and just plain fun
Sierra, Judy.
Paper Book
"Schoolyard rhymes are catchy and fun. They are easy to remember. In fact, they stick in the mind like bubble gum to a shoe." writes Judy Sierra in her introduction to this lively collection of traditional playground chants. Included are more than 50 verses ranging from the familiar jump rope rhyme...
Screech School
Killick, Jennifer
Paper Book
Let your fears take flight in this scary sequel of the Creatures & Teachers series where a group of friends must protect their school from vampire birds! Angelo and his friends know that together they can handle any pretty much anything together. The scariest thing they think...
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...
Tiny T. Rex and the first-day oopsies /
Stutzman, Jonathan
Paper Book
It's Tiny T. Rex's first day of school! In this new addition to the bestselling series, Tiny is certain he's ready for anything at his BIG new school--but learns that even the best-prepared dinosaur will still meet some "oopsies" along the way!  
Wemberly worried /
Henkes, Kevin
Paper Book
A classic, evergreen, and beloved picture book about making friends and overcoming anxiety from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kevin Henkes. Perfect for back-to-school! #1 New York Times Bestseller · School Library Journal Best Book · Publishers...
Wilson and Miss Lovely /
Stadler, John
Paper Book
A charming school story with a twist--new from John Stadler Wilson had just finished his first week of school and could not wait for the next one to begin. He was very fond of his new teacher, Miss Lovely. But something was wrong that day--very wrong. There were no school buses, the school...
Wow! school! /
Neubecker, Robert.
Paper Book
From science and storytime, to music and math, Izzy's classroom is full of new things to explore, and she's not going to miss one of them! This essential book in the WOW! Series captures all the excitement of a bright, colorful new classroom, reducing first-day jitters all the...
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