Do you have a little one headed to school for the first time? Or, are your kids seasoned veterans like mine are now? My kids are eager to return to school, but that wasn't always the case.
A new school year can invoke many emotions — for kids, parents, and teachers. That's why I put together this list of the best back to school books for kids in 2026, organized by age (and mood!) so you can find exactly what your kid needs, whether they're feeling happy, excited, sad, or nervous
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How Back to School Books Help Kids
Books are important for so many reasons. Beyond building language skills, they can help kids understand new concepts, prepare them for different experiences, and navigate their varying emotions.
Even if your kid seems excited about going back to school, I still recommend reading a few books to help prep them.
Here are a few ways that books about school can help:
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Reduce anxiety or sympathize with concerns. Going to school for the first time, or even entering a new grade, can feel uncertain or scary. Find books that help kids understand what happens at school, relate to their feelings, and ease any worries.
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Boost their confidence. Feeling confident and excited can set kids up for a successful school year. Find back to school books where characters have a positive attitude and are eager to learn, play, and see friends.
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Navigate conflicting emotions. School can be exciting and scary. Plus, feelings (and perceptions) can change day to day. Find books that normalize kids having different feelings about going back to school — or stories that show how emotions can change.
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Understand how to be a good student, classmate, or friend. Kids who aren’t familiar with the school environment may benefit from books that show them what to do (or what not to do!), how to be kind to others, and how to make friends.
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Encourage ongoing discussions. Back to school books can spark conversations about going back to school and what can happen while there, allowing you to better understand and support your kid.
Top Book Picks By Age
Just want a quick recommendation? Here are the books I would choose to read first, organized by age. Otherwise, scroll on down for the full list.
Books for toddlers and preschoolers: We Don't Eat Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex Book and If I Built a School
→ See more ideas for toddlers and preschoolers
Books for kindergartners & early elementary: Chrysanthemum and
See more ideas for kindergartners & early elementary.
Books for elementary school: Ramona Quimby, Age 8
See more ideas for elementary school.
Books for middle school: Front Desk
See more ideas for middle school.
My Favorite Back to School Books
No matter how your kid feels about school, each year can bring a new set of emotions and experiences for them. This list of books about school includes stories for all ages — from preschool to kindergarten, to grade school to middle school, and beyond.
Books for Kids Feeling Nervous About School
Some kids skip to the bus stop, and some kids need a minute (or ten) to work through the nerves. If your kid falls into camp two, you are not alone — and these books are my go-to for helping little ones name that feeling and realize everyone gets the jitters about school sometimes.
Llama Llama Misses Mama: For the kid who isn't sure they're ready to say goodbye yet.
Butterflies on the First Day of School: A sweet way to explain what those nervous "butterflies" actually are.
The Pigeon Has to Go to School!: Pigeon has a lot of questions about school. (Relatable.)
The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School: For the kid who's worried they won't know how to do "all the things" yet.
Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat!: Splat's homework worries turn into a happy ending.
First Day Jitters: The plot twist in this one gets me every time. A must-read for the nervous crew.
The Berenstain Bears Go to School: Sister Bear proves feelings can shift fast — from unsure to excited.
Still feeling the nerves after the first day? I've got a whole post on school drop-off anxiety with scripts that actually work.
Back to School Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)
Going from unstructured time at home to a more structured day at school with new adults and peers is a lot for little kids to manage! Even if they’re confident, it can help to read books that cover different emotions and show them what preschool will be like.
Time for School, Little Blue Truck
Little Blue Truck and his good friend Toad are excited to meet a bright yellow school bus on the road. When somebody misses the bus, it’s up to Blue to get his friend to school on time. Ages 2+
Chester the racoon is nervous about going to school. To help him feel less scared and lonely, his mom kisses his hand so he can press it to his cheek and be reminded of her love. This heartwarming story is a sweet way to remind kids you’re “near” them all day, even if you aren’t physically close. Ages 2+
If you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils..... and your backpack, too. Ages 2+
How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?
More fun dinosaur antics await as everyone's favorite dinosaurs are off to school! First, the dinosaurs misbehave so kids will learn what not to do at school. Then they show more positive behaviors, like listening, helping friends, and following school rules. Ages 2+
Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
Pete the Cat is rocking in his school shoes! This is a fun and upbeat story that follows Pete as he sings his way through school. As Pete explores new areas of the school, kids will learn the power of having a positive attitude and feel more confident. Ages 3+
My kids all said their teachers read this book to them at school and they love it! If Jack built a school, there would be hover desks and pop-up textbooks, skydiving wind tunnels, a trampoline basketball court in the gym, and more! Ages 3+
Butterflies on the First Day of School
The first day of school is exciting—but it can be scary, too! Rosie is a brand-new student who just happens to have butterflies in her stomach. As she goes about her school day, the butterflies fly out, and her worries start to disappear. Ages 3+
We Don't Eat Our Classmates: A Penelope Rex Book
It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! Ages 3+
The Pigeon Has To Go To School!
Pigeon nervously grapples with the idea of attending school for the first time. Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? After going through all of his concerns, he realizes school is a place to practice all of the things he’s worried about. Kids will see that feeling worried is normal and feel excited about school by the end of the story. Ages 3+
The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School
Mr. Fish is nervously awaiting his first day of school, and he frets about not knowing how to write his name, how to draw shapes, and how to do math―until he's reassured that school is the perfect place to learn how to master new skills. Ages 3+
Splat the Cat: Back to School, Splat!
My kids love this series. Splat is excited for the first day of school — until he realizes he has homework! As he talks through his concern of choosing just one summer adventure to share with the class, he navigates through his worries and discovers a happy resolution Ages 4+
Sweet, funny, and reletable! The first day of school is almost here, and all of the critters are nervous about something different. But when they get to school, they realize their teacher is nervous too. By working together to reassure him, they realize they aren’t alone in their fears and that school isn’t so scary after all. Ages 4+
Back to School Books for Kindergartners & Early Elementary (Ages 5-7)
Going to kindergarten or first grade is a big deal! These books can help little kids with the transition to a new school, new kids, or a new routine.
This is a great read for your little one who might have the first-day jitters. Sarah Jane is nervous and doesn't want to start a new school year. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. The surprise ending will help kids realize that everyone feels nervous sometimes! Ages 5+
Chrysanthemum has always loved her name, until she gets teased about it on the first day of school. While her parents comfort her, it’s the new music teacher with her own unique name that helps her to regain her confidence and teaches the other kids why it’s great to be different. Ages 5+
Forever a classic! Brother Bear is excited for school, but Sister is about to start kindergarten and isn’t so sure. This is a great way to show little ones what happens at school and help them see how quickly feelings can change. Ages 5+
Follow Percy's ten simple rules and school will be a lot of fun! He also shows exactly what NOT to do. Ages 5+
Instead of a kid being nervous for their first day, this story is all about the school’s own worries! This book reassures kids and helps them understand the varying emotions they can experience throughout the day. Plus there are plenty of funny moments, too, like when milk shoots out of a boy’s nose. Ages 5+
This book follows the same rhythmic meter of The Night Before Christmas, providing kids with a familiar, comfortable story to dispel their fears. From getting ready for their first day to experiencing what kindergarten is like, kids will discover it’s ok to feel both excited and scared. And by the end, it’s the parents who have a harder time with the goodbyes! Ages 5+
On the First Day of Kindergarten
Based on the holiday song, The 12 Days of Christmas, this book goes through the 12 days of school and all of the cool things that can happen. From painting pictures, to playing outside, to making new friends, there’s a lot for kids to look forward to. Ages 5+
Back to School Books for Elementary School (Ages 7-10)
This is the age when school demands increase and kids start to compare themselves more to their peers. Reading books that help them navigate these new situations and feelings can help set them up for a better school year.
Will should be excited to start third grade. Nothing can ruin a new school year...except maybe a pesky little brother. This story has plenty of funny moments while also showing kids how to navigate unexpected feelings and situations. Ages 7+
Ramona is starting third grade and dealing with everything from a new teacher to a big fall from grace. This one's a classic for a reason: it's funny, honest about the hard parts of growing up, and every kid who's ever had an embarrassing school moment will feel completely seen. Ages 7+
This story shows the perspectives of two kids in fifth grade who come from different backgrounds, but who are both feeling alone and out of place at school. At first, they don’t think they have anything in common, until they realize they both are being bullied by the same person. Ages 8+
A story about empathy, compassion, and acceptance. Auggie was born with a facial difference and was homeschooled until fifth grade. Told from different points of view, readers of all ages will learn to embrace others’ differences, understand that everyone faces challenges, and see why kindness matters. Ages 9+
Based on the author’s childhood, this story illustrates how anxiety can show up in our bodies (like an upset tummy). Along with normalizing mental health issues, it also shows healthy ways to cope and deal with the stress of school, friendships changing, and other common issues among tweens. Ages 9+
Back to School Books for Middle School (Ages 11-13)
Kids are growing rapidly during these years and facing more social pressures, academic expectations, and varying emotions. They’re also figuring out who they are and who they want to be. These books deal with much more complex topics in a relatable way to help kids navigate common struggles.
This book is required for summer reading for my girls going into middle school. Mia starts sixth grade while secretly running her family's motel front desk after school. It's about fitting in, financial stress, and finding your voice. It’s heavier than the other book, but middle schoolers this age can handle (and connect with) it. Ages 10+
An authentic and humorous story that tackles important issues, like racism, classism, and identity. This graphic novel is about a black student in 7th grade who has to navigate what it’s like to be at a private school where the students are primarily white. Ages 10+
Any kid who has ever felt inadequate, especially because of a learning disability, will relate to this story. Along with inspiring self-acceptance, it also helps kids to build empathy for others who learn differently. And it shows that every kid has a super power (for Ally, it’s her artistic talents and problem-solving skills). Ages 9+
FAQ for Back to School Books
Which back to school books should I choose for my kid?
Start with two things: their age and how they're actually feeling about school right now (not how you think they should feel). A confident kid and a nervous kid need different books, and that's exactly why I grouped this list by age and by mood.
Do I need back to school books if my kid feels excited about school?
Even if your kid is familiar with the school routine and is happy to go to school, they can still benefit from reading books about school. For example, books can help them process and validate whatever feelings they may have, prepare them for unexpected challenges, and help them grow.
Should I avoid back to school books that might make my kid feel worried?
Not necessarily. Books that speak to common worries tend to help more than they hurt. Kids' books are designed to help kids process feelings and realize they're not the only one who's nervous. That said, you know your kid best. If they're more sensitive, lean toward the books with lighter, more encouraging tones.
My kid knows how to read. How can I support them with the back to school transition?
Kids who know how to read can still be read to! Otherwise, you can read the same book as them and discuss the story together. This can help you understand if your kid relates to the characters in the story and open a larger discussion about their own feelings and experiences.
What if my kid is more anxious than excited about school starting?
That's so normal, and you're not alone in it. I put together a whole section of books for kids feeling nervous about school, and if the nerves stick around past day one, my post on school drop-off anxiety has scripts that actually work.
Are these books just for little kids?
Not at all! This list covers preschool all the way through middle school (ages 2 to 13ish), so there's something whether your kid is starting their very first day ever or heading into seventh grade solo.
Everything Else on Your Back-to-School List
Getting the books picked out is just the start — here's everything else to make the school year smoother:
- ✅ The Back-to-School Checklist Every Parent Needs: Because having the supplies is only half the battle
- ✏️ School Supplies Guide: Everything on the list (and a few things that aren't)
- 🎒 Best Kids Backpacks: Find the perfect backpack for your kid
- 🥪 Easy Lunch Ideas for Kids: Because a great lunch deserves a great lunchbox
- 💌 Lunch Box Notes Ideas: The little notes that make a big difference
- 🍎 Easy After-School Snacks for Kids: Fuel them up the second they walk in the door
- 😢 Crying at School Drop-Off: If the lunch box note isn't quite cutting it yet
- 📱 Technology for Kids: Balancing school devices & healthy screen time rules
