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 August 18, 2025
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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 the launch of this new, strong-willed character, in the style of Ladybug Girl, Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, and Bread and Jam for Frances. Amanda Panda has BIG ideas for her first day of school. But when things don't...
Back to school /
Brunstetter, Wanda E.
CD
And that's where trouble finds her once again! Except this time, trouble has a freckled face and an unruly cowlick. His name is Orlie, and he seems determined to humiliate this ten-year-old Amish girl at every turn. Can anything good come out of Rachel and Orlie's endless antics? Join Rachel as she...
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
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...
The Berenstain Bears go back to school /
Berenstain, Stan,
Paper Book
*Library listserv feature *The Berenstain Bears Go Back to School featured in the HarperCollins booth at major institutional conferences, including TLA, IRA, ALA and NCTE *A finished book sent...
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
Clifford goes to kindergarten /
Bridwell, Norman
Paper Book
Head to kindergarten with Clifford and Emily Elizabeth in this jacketed hardcover edition of the classic story!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...
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...
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...
Dino-school
Wheeler, Lisa/ Gott, Barry (ILT)
Paper Book
There's always something new happening at Dino-School! Whether they're decorating the classroom, celebrating the 100th day of school, or racing across the schoolyard during Field Day, the dinos of Room 3 are always busy. Join them for a full school year of discovery and fun with rhyming...
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. ...
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 that...
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...
K is for kindergarten /
Dealey, Erin.
Paper Book
A is for at last! Kindergarten is almost here! Whether your little reader is counting down to the first day or making their 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...
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 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
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!...
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,...
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...
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, ...
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 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...
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 eighty. He has...
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 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...
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 of getting-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,...
Ruby Bridges :
Bridges, Ruby
Ebook
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 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...
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...
Schoolbot 9000
Hepburn, Sam
Paper Book
A hilarious--and ominous--new graphic novel series about what happens when one school's human teachers are replaced by robots! "Freethinkers, rebels and techno-skeptics will find a lot to love here."--The New York Times A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY AND THE...
Screech School
Killick, Jennifer
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 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!  
Tyrannosaurus wrecks :
Gibbs, Stuart,
Paper Book
In the latest novel in New York Times bestselling author Stuart Gibbs's FunJungle series, Teddy Fitzroy returns as FunJungle's resident sleuth to solve his most improbable mystery yet--with a victim that's 65 million years old. Teddy was all set for a campout at his friend...
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...
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
What could be more WOW than the first day of school? From science and storytime to music and math, Izzy's classroom is full of new things to explore. Tag along with Izzy and experience the wonder and excitement of school from a child's-eye view.

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