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...
Arthur's back to school day /
Hoban, Lillian
Paper Book
While hurrying to get on the school bus, Arthur and his friend unknowingly switch their lunchboxes; later Arthur finds out what surprise his sister had put into hers.
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.
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
A hilarious yet reassuring back-to-school picture book by humorist, novelist, and TV writer Simon Rich-a clever and sweet follow-up to I'm Terrified of Bath Time, where a child's backpack frets about first-day-of-school jitters!  In this hilarious...
Back to school, weird kids rule!
Gutman, Dan
Paper Book
My Weird School Special Life is Weird! The weirdest back-to-school story in the history of the world! Plus 32 pages of bonus content! Professor A.J.'s back-to-school Facts Puzzles Trivia Games and more!
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...
Bear with me /
Kerasco?et.
Paper Book
An endearing picture book from two New York Timesbestselling creators about a little girl who learns to cope when she is asked to leave her beloved stuffed animal at home. A child's favorite stuffed animal is a member of the family. This little girl and her bear are no...
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...
Breathe like a bear :
Willey, Kira
Paper Book
A companion picture book to Breathe Like a Bearthat helps kids feel calm and ready to meet new classmates! Bear can't wait to go to her first day of school. But she and a few of her friends are also feeling a little anxious. Luckily, Owl has the perfect words for them all...
Clifford goes to kindergarten /
Bridwell, Norman
Paper Book
"Clifford joins Emily Elizabeth for her first day of kindergarten! Emily Elizabeth is nervous about making new friends and missing home. But with Clifford by her side in class to sing songs and play games, Emily Elizabeth learns how much fun kindergarten can be!"--Page 4 of cover.
Confessions of a high school disaster :
Chastain, Emma,
Paper Book
In the tradition of Bridget Jones's Diary, a lovably flawed high school student chronicles her life as she navigates the highs and lows of family, friendship, school, and love in a diary that sparkles with humor and warmth. I'm Chloe Snow, and my life is kiiiiind of a...
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
The hilarious crayons from the #1 New York Times bestselling The Day The Crayons Quit are ready to go back to school! The crayons are getting ready to go back to school, and each crayon has a subject they're looking forward to the most. They're also ready to meet...
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, here I come!
Carlson, Nancy L.
Paper Book
After the first day of first grade, Henry's not sure how he feels about it. The teacher isn't like his kindergarten teacher, and the fifth-graders hog the monkey bars. But as Henry tells his mother about a new friend who likes soccer and about how he'll learn to read books, he begins to realize...
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 toowell, Steve has...
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 diary
Portis, Antoinette.
Paper Book
Starting kindergarten can be a little scary. But Annalina shows us there are lots of new and exciting things to look forward to--meeting your teacher, playing on the monkey bars, feeding the pet tortoise, and making new friends. Experience the ups and downs of the first days of...
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 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 penny in his pocket. Follow Theodore...
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...
Kisses for kindergarten
Crouse, Livingstone
Paper Book
Join Stella Isabella Harden and her puppy Buster in this lyrical read-aloud and heartwarming story about the first day of kindergarten. Stella Isabella Harden contemplating kindergarten declared she didn't have to go... because her puppy told her so....
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,
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
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...
Louise the big cheese and the back-to-school smarty-pants /
Primavera, Elise
Paper Book
Louise the Big Cheese is determined to make the grade in school this year and that means straight As. But she's stuck with the toughest teacher ever. Will Louise make the grade?
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,...
Merriam-Webster's Ready for School Words :
Campbell, Hannah/ Rhys, Sara (ILT)
Paper Book
1,000 words to get kids ready for school in a big, colorful book from the experts at Merriam-Webster. Enter the world of Merriam-Webster's Ready-for-School Words and discover the words needed to describe the people, places, and things in your community and beyond! Featuring 1,000 words...
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?...
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 her...
The night before first grade /
Wing, Natasha.
Paper Book
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...
Off to first grade
Borden, Louise.
Paper Book
It's the first day of first grade, and everyone in Mrs. Miller's class is getting ready! Anna is excited about reading zillions of books, Ben's mom gives him a big off-to-first-grade hug, and Claire poses for a first-day picture. In Off to First Grade we hear from all twenty-three of Mrs....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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 the hugely popular, bestselling Karen Katz? It's the first day of preschool, and the...
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
McCully, Emily Arnold.
Paper Book
School time! Everyone heads out the door, even little Bitty, who follows herbig brothers and sisters to school. In class, Bitty stays busy with math, reading, and snack time. But when Mama comes for her, the youngest student finds that she is most happy to return home. This story about a...
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
When Splat comes home from the first day of school, his homework is to pick one fun summer adventure to share with his class.
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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