I am beyond impressed with the incredible new back-to-school books for 2024! With reassuring stories tackling first-day jitters to entertaining new school-themed read alouds to conversation-starting social-emotional-learning stories celebrating diversity and welcoming others, there is a lot to love about these new releases.
Whether you are a parent preparing your child for their first day or a teacher looking to update your classroom library, the below books are excellent choices for reading at the beginning of the school year!
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The Yellow Bus by Loren Long, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Wow, just wow! Every now and then a book comes along and pulls at your heartstrings and makes you look at the world differently and The Yellow Bus does just that. The story chronicles the life of a school bus as it transports children from place to place and then finds new life and purpose once retired. In true Loren Long fashion, the illustrations are simply dazzling. The bright yellow bus shines against a detailed black-and-white background. With its heartfelt message about new beginnings, this is a must read!
We Need Everyone by Michael Redhead Champagne, illustrations Tiff Bartel, 2024
Teachers looking to establish a sense of community will definitely want to get their hands on this uplifting story. The text recognizes that we each have a special gift and when we combine our talents, we form a stronger community. The book empowers readers to identify their own gifts and demonstrates how different attributes are needed to make the world a better place.
Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends by Apryl Stott, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Oh my goodness, there is so much to love about this sweet story! Ruby is nervous to start a new school, but she uses her tools and positive self-talk to help calm her worries. When she is assigned a collaborative project to create an egg drop with classmates, she faces new challenges of speaking up in a group. I just love how Ruby’s confidence grows through the story and she learns how to work with others while making new friends in the process. The artwork featuring a group of animals and people could not be more charming while the lessons Ruby learns are sure to resonate with many.
Goodnight School by Catherine Bailey, illustrated by Corri Doerrfeld, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This enchanting bedtime story follows a nightguard traveling from room to room preparing the school for the night. Readers will delight in observing a class pet turtle who has escaped and is roaming the halls engaging in comical hijinks. The rolling rhymes create a soothing tone that makes this an excellent choice for bedtime reading or sharing with a class.
First Day Hooray by June Sobel, illustrated by Nabila Adani, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
This fantastic social emotional learning story helps children acknowledge the variety of feelings they may experience on the first day of school. Cheerful rhymes and colorful illustrations help children identify and learn to process the many emotions they may feel when facing something new. The back matter includes a useful note to parents and educators.
Itty Bitty Betty Blob by Constance Lombardo, illustrated by Micah Player, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s almost picture day at Ghoulington Academy and while Betty Blob wants to fit in her with monster classmates, she finds it’s more important to stay true to herself. This wonderful celebration of individuality is enhanced with eye-catching illustrations with pops of pink.
Touch the Sky by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, illustrated by Chris Park, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s difficult to recognize that some things may come easy for some people, but not others. Vern yearns to soar through the air on the swing, but doesn’t know how to pump his legs. When Gretchen takes the time to help him, he gets the extra push he needs to succeed. This is a terrific story in empathy and overcoming challenges.
Scorch Hedgehog of Doom by Cate Berry, illustrated by Margherita Grasso, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
While class pet, Scorch, sees himself as a vicious beast, the students of Room 402 consider him to be the cutest, most adorable hedgehog possible. The story chronicles his many attempts to inflict fear, which instead result an “awwws” of admiration. This one is sure to become a favorite classroom read aloud.
Home in a Lunchbox by Cherry Mo, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Told mostly through a series of gorgeous illustrations, readers meet a young Chinese immigrant named Jun who finds solace in eating her delicious lunch that reminds her of home. Since the story is almost entirely wordless, it is a great conversation starter on inferring Jun’s emotions through the story. Furthermore, seeing a classmate’s compassion during lunch is an excellent example of empathy and the power of kindness.
This is My Brain! A Book on Neurodiversity by Elise Gravel, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This fabulous book that teaches children how everyone’s brain works differently is an excellent read aloud to build empathy and respect for others. Through engaging illustrations and simple text, readers learn that because we all have unique brains, people may learn, act, and feel differently. Furthermore, because we are all different, everyone has something to offer that makes us stronger together. The book ends with tips on how to keep our brains healthy and strong.
I Can Do It Even if I’m Scared: Find the Brave You by Lisa Katzenberger, illustrated by Hannah George, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This emboldening book provides helpful steps children can take to find their brave selves. It notes that each of us has a “Brave You” who can help us face our fears. Adorable illustrations feature a cheetah, alligator, and an elephant who practice steps to find their brave selves and overcome challenges. There is also a helpful note to readers and parents included.
Colossal Words for Kids by Colette Hiller, illustrated by Tor Freeman, 2024
(Ages 5 and up)
Oh, my goodness, this book is such a great way to introduce new vocabulary to children. Short rhyming poems integrate new vocabulary to share their definitions in an engaging and entertaining way. The comical and colorful illustrations bring the poems to life while supplemental quotes add to the fun.
Collaboration Station by Shannon Olsen, illustrated by Sanie Sonke, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This uplifting story reminds children of the many benefits of working as a team and gives them pointers on how to be a good collaborator based on their personality. Collaboration is such an important skill and I love how this helpful book introduces it. We also adore Shannon Olsen’s other books including Our Class is a Family, Our School is a Family, and A Letter From Your Teacher.
We Are a Class by Rob Sanders, illustrated by Hannah Abbo, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This wonderfully inclusive story is a great beginning-of-the-year read aloud to emphasize how all different students come together to form one united group. The upbeat rhymes use affirming language to bolster children’s excitement for school and help them view the class as an extension of family.
That Always Happens Sometimes by Kiley Frank, illustrated by K-Fai Steele, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
With it’s laugh-out-loud text and humorous illustrations coupled with a character that pulls at your heartstrings and message that we all have something valuable to offer in our own way, this standout story is one of my favorites of 2024.
Max may have trouble sitting still, following directions, and making friends, but his imaginative nature and out-of-the-box thinking save the day in a class project.
Many readers will recognize a Max in a classmate, a student, or in themselves, and take away the knowledge that different is not bad, but instead different can provide a new perspective that can make the world a better place.
The Big Squeeze by Molly Harris, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
The beginning of the school year is a busy time and it is easy to get overwhelmed. This adorable story follows a little sponge who excitedly tackles the mess found in the kitchen, but quickly becomes overwhelmed by the constant cleaning. This comical story is a great conversation starter in asking for help and avoiding burnout.
The Curious Why by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
I absolutely love how this book encourages children to ask questions about the world around them and pursue the answers. Upbeat rhymes and colorful illustrations introduce readers to the Curious Why who helps children follow their interests, ask important questions, and work to better understand the world. This inspirational story is perfect for classroom and home libraries.
Archie and Pip and the First Day of School by Zoe Wodarz, illustrated by Mari Richards.
(Ages 4 and up)
This sweet story follows brothers Archie and Pip as they prepare for the first day of school. First-grader Pip helps put Archie’s worries aside about starting kindergarten as they go back-to-school shopping. Many children will relate to the nerves and excitement the characters feel about beginning school in this charming book.
A Love Letter to My Library by Liza Kazenberger, illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr., 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Full of gratitude, this uplifting story highlights many different aspects kids can appreciate about their local library. From the countless stories to the cozy spots to sit and read, to the crafts and activities, there is a lot for kids (and adults) to love about libraries.
Teachers and parents are going to adore this book too. Not only is this a great jumping off point to introduce libraries to kids or inspire a discussion on being grateful, it can also serve as a writing prompt for children to create their own love letters about their favorite place.
You’ve Got This! by Lindsay Bonilla, illustrated by Keisha Morris, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
This uplifting book bolsters children’s confidence and ensures them that they are capable of facing difficult challenges. From taking a test to overcoming stage fright and learning a new skill, readers can do anything they put their minds to.
Bijan Always Wins by Adib Khorram, illustrated by Michelle Tran, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Bijan likes to brag that he wins at everything even noncompetitive events like eating lunch or drawing. When his competitive spirit causes him to lose friends, however, he realizes there is more to life than winning. When he apologizes for his behavior, his classmates welcome him back. This is a wonderful social emotional learning story about treating friends with respect.
Keyana Loves School by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, illustrated by Charnell Pinkney Barlow, 2024
(Ages 5 and up)
Keyana has the brilliant idea to create a class quilt to capture the students’ adoration for their school. Her teacher loves the idea so much, he asks her to present it to the entire school. Keyana must find her bravery to speak in front of her other classmates.
Ladybugs Do Not Go to Preschool by Ali Rutstein, illustrated by Niña Nill, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
Charming illustrations fill the pages of this relatable story of a young boy who is nervous about starting preschool. Ravi would prefer to stay home and play Ladybug, but with a little encouragement from his mother, he is able to find the confidence to spread his wings and fly to school.
Olu’s Teacher: A Story About Starting Preschool by Jamel C. Campbell, illustrated by Lydia Mba, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
It’s Olu’s first day of preschool and he is feeling nervous. Once he gets there, however, he finds that his teacher is warm and welcoming. The day goes by in a flash and Olu can’t wait to return tomorrow.
Ruby René Had So Much to Say by Ashley Iman, illustrated by Gladys Jose, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Ruby René loves learning new facts, but she loves sharing them even more. The only problem is, all of her sharing is interrupting her teacher’s lesson. This book is so relatable for many students (and teachers!). Luckily, with the help of her principal, Ruby René finds the perfect solution that allows her to express herself in a productive way. Not only is this an entertaining story, it is also a great prompt for talking in the classroom.
Round and Round the Year We Go by Carter Higgins, 2024 – Neal Porter Books
(Ages 3 and up)
Each two-page spread features a short, catchy poem introducing a new month. The illustrations are bright and engaging making this a perfect book to teach children about the months and seasons.
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider
There is so much to love about this amazing book filled with seasonal poems! The graphic-style illustrations are perfect for grabbing kids’ attention while the poems themselves expertly highlight small, relatable moments. From cloud spotting on a sunny day to waiting for a late bus in the rain to philosophical musings about growing up, each poem is entertaining and thought provoking.
Way Past Mean by Hallee Adelman, illustrated by Karen Wall, 2024
(Ages 5 and up)
When two popular girls, Yaz and Keya, ask another young girl to exclude Nelly the new girl, she falls victim to the temptation of popularity. Before she knows it, she is saying mean things and excluding Nelly. When she sees the effect it has on Nelly, however, she apologizes and makes amends for her actions. This scenario is all too relatable and is an excellent lesson in choosing kindness over peer pressure.
Find my other BACK-TO-SCHOOL Books here.
