If the first day of school were a person, it might wear the t-shirt that says “I’m kind of a big deal.” This fall, especially, the first day of school (or first day back to school) is a big deal, after most schools moved to remote education in mid-March 2020, and some stayed largely remote until spring 2021.
This list on the topic of attending school for the first time, or attending a new school, includes books that focus on common fears and worries (and provide reassurance, and sometimes humor). Many books also have themes of inclusivity and kindness. A few books on the list are not specifically about the first day of school, but are thematically relevant.
Why am I posting this in July, with the start of school over a month away? Because kids are people, and people are different. Some kids do better with a lot of preparation; others would rather skip the anticipation/worry and dive right in when the time comes. Public libraries are likely to have back-to-school displays, which may get picked over quickly. Request a handful of titles that look good to you now, and you won’t be scrambling the last week of August. (Or if nothing on this list appeals, ask your local library or bookstore staff for more recommendations!)
Oliver and His Alligator by Paul Schmid
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Owen by Kevin Henkes
Chu’s First Day of School by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Adam Rex
Goose Goes to School by Laura Wall
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Geraldine by Elizabeth Lilly
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
The Class by Boni Ashburn, illustrated by Kimberly Gee
So Big by Mike Wohnoutka
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
On the Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López
A Small Kindness by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Wendy Leach
First Day of School by Anne Rockwell, illustrated by Lizzy Rockwell
Time for School (Tinyville Town) by Brian Biggs
Scarlet’s Tale by Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Peter Jarvis
Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Yoko by Rosemary Wells
Ways to Welcome by Linda Ashman, illustrated by Joey Chou
I Feel Teal by Lauren Rille, illustrated by Aimee Sicuro
Don’t Hug Doug by Carrie Finison, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman
What are your favorite first day of school books?
Jenny Arch 