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Back-to-school season is here! The first weeks of school are all about learning new routines, meeting new classmates, and settling into a new space. And what better way to ease those first-day jitters than with a classroom library filled with exciting new reads?

Whether shared aloud during morning reading or read alone during Sit Together and Read (STAR) time, books have the power to make this transition smoother for every student. They offer comfort, spark imagination, and remind readers they aren’t alone in this new school year, while reading about others who have felt nervous, made new friends, and found their place.

Back to school is more than just supplies and schedules; it’s a fresh start and a chance to build a welcoming, inclusive classroom community. And a well-stocked library can be the heart of that space.

That’s why we’ve curated a list of back-to-school books perfect for every age and reading level. From laugh-out-loud picture books to inspiring middle-grade reads and thought-provoking young adult titles, these stories are ready to welcome your students into a brand-new year of learning and growth.

Picture Books

First Day Around the World by Ibi Zoboi

Travel across the globe as kids from different countries share what their first day of school looks like. It’s a perfect read-aloud to spark conversation and build global awareness in the classroom.

Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies: A Back-to-School Book by Jonathan Stutzman

Tiny T. Rex is very ready for school until a series of oopsies throws his confidence off track. This adorable dino offers a gentle entry point for classroom discussions about making mistakes, building resilience, and creating a supportive learning environment.

Scarecited on the First Day of School by Alliah L. Agostini

What do you get when you’re a little scared and a little excited? Scarecited! This energetic, rhyming book gives a name to the nervous excitement kids feel on the first day of school.

New by Niña Mata

Being the new kid can be tough, especially when everything feels different. But this empowering story welcomes students and fosters inclusion, all while showing that staying true to yourself is the best way to feel at home.

Big Kids by K. L. Going

A reassuring story for younger students who may feel unsure about big changes, this book helps teachers validate different emotions and remind everyone that it’s okay to grow at your own pace.

Elementary School Books

Welcome to Scare School by Jarrett Lerner

Perfect for fans of spooky fun and silly jokes, this book is a great way to ease those first-day jitters and get students laughing together as they learn that even monsters get nervous.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park

A back-to-school classic, this laugh-out-loud chapter book captures the whirlwind of emotions that come with starting kindergarten and is great for modeling empathy and first-day bravery.

First Day, Worst Day by Andy Nonamus

When nothing seems to go right on the first day, this relatable story reassures students that tough starts can still lead to great school years. This is a perfect book for classroom discussions about resilience and perspective. 

Bulldozer Goes to School by Elise Broach

In this sweet and simple read, Bulldozer learns what school is all about! Perfect for young students who may be unsure of classroom routines and need a gentle introduction to school life. 

The Unlikely Aventuras of Ramón and El Cucuy by Donna Barba Higuera

A fun, bilingual adventure that blends folklore and friendship. This story encourages students to face their fears and adjust to change, with a little help from a legendary monster sidekick!

Middle School Books

Jo Jo vs. Middle School by Joy McCullough

Jo Jo is ready to take middle school by storm! That is, until everything from friendship to student council gets more complicated than expected. This empowering book is perfect for readers navigating new identities and growing confidence. 

The Extraordinary Orbit of Alex Ramirez by Jasminne Paulino

Alex dreams of becoming an astronaut, but being stuck in his school's self-contained classroom makes him feel grounded. This inspiring story encourages students to advocate for themselves and reminds educators of the potential greatness in every learner.

Way Off Track by Carl Brundtland

When Nansi loses a race to her rival and sets her sights on a pricey new pair of running shoes, her determination sends her sprinting in unexpected directions. With humor and heart, this story opens up great classroom conversations about perseverance and finding your own pace.

Band Nerd: A Graphic Novel by Sarah Clawson Willis

Seventh grader Lucy pours herself into music to cope with challenges at home, but when things go off-key at school and in band, she faces tough decisions about competition, friendship, and self-worth. A relatable read for students navigating pressure both inside and outside the classroom.

Speechless by Aron Nels Steinke

Mira’s selective mutism makes middle school especially tough, and having her ex-best friend move in isn’t helping. This heartfelt graphic novel follows Mira as she finds her voice, making it a thoughtful addition to classroom conversations.

High School Books

The Thrashers by Julie Soto

A dark and twisty thriller your students will love! Jodi never expected to be part of the elite Thrasher friend group until a classmate dies and secrets start unraveling. This thriller keeps you guessing until the end.

On Again, Awkward Again by Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia

Freshmen Pacy and Cecil are awkward, endearing, and unprepared for love, but fate (and the school dance committee) keeps throwing them together. This is a hilarious and heartfelt rom-com about first crushes, embarrassing moments, and figuring it all out.

This Thing of Ours by Frederick Joseph

After a sports injury ends his basketball dreams, Ossie must redefine who he is at a predominantly white prep school. A powerful novel that tackles topics of racism, classism, book banning, and finding your voice. 

Under the Fading Sky by Cynthia Kadohata

Elijah is just sixteen, but already full of regrets. Told in raw, reflective prose, this coming-of-age novel follows sixteen-year-old Elijah as he confronts grief, regret, and the consequences of past choices. 

Huda F Wants to Know? by Huda Fahmy

Junior year was supposed to be Huda’s time to shine. That’s until her parents announce their divorce and everything starts falling apart. Funny, emotional, and deeply real, this graphic novel explores faith, family, and figuring out how to move forward. 

College Books

The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb

Corby Ledbetter’s life is unraveling. He’s lost his job, is hiding an addiction, and his marriage is falling apart. When a tragic accident lands him in prison, he must confront his guilt while navigating a brutal new world behind bars. Through unlikely friendships and quiet moments of grace, Corby begins a journey towards redemption, questioning whether those he’s hurt can truly forgive him. 

The Phoenix Pencil Company by Allison King

College freshman Monica Tsai prefers coding and journaling to real-life connections, but when her grandmother’s memory begins to fade, she becomes obsessed with uncovering a hidden piece of her family’s past. A mysterious online match leads her to a pencil with ties to the Phoenix Pencil Company, where her grandmother worked during WWII, hiding a magical ability. As timelines intertwine, Monica unearths a story of resistance, survival, and a legacy that may change her future forever. 

Flashlight by Susan Choi

Ten-year-old Louisa is found soaked on a beach, barely alive. Her father, who cannot swim, is missing and presumed dead. As the novel spirals through time and perspective, unraveling the fractured histories of Louisa’s Korean and American parents, it slowly illuminates the mysterious tragedy that reshaped their lives, asking how much of the past we can ever truly understand. 

My Name Is Emilia del Valle by Isabel Allende

Born to an Irish nun and a Chilean aristocrat in 1866 San Francisco, Emilia del Valle is determined to live life on her terms. From writing pulp fiction under a male pseudonym to reporting on civil war in Chile, Emilia defies convention in pursuit of truth and identity. As she reunites with her estranged father and navigates love and war, she emerges as a bold, unforgettable heroine. 

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

In postwar 1960s Netherlands, solitary Isabel lives a quiet, orderly life in her deceased mother’s country home, until her brother drops off his bold, free-spirited girlfriend Eva for the summer. As tension simmers and objects go missing, Isabel’s irritation shifts to obsession, and a charged atmosphere gives way to revelations about desire, betrayal, and buried wartime secrets. 

No matter what this school year brings, helping students feel ready, welcomed, and excited to learn starts with the right stories. Whether it’s easing those first-day nerves, building classroom community, or sparking a love of reading, the right books can make all the difference. If you’re looking to stock your shelves with fresh reads for the year ahead, our team is happy to help! Just request a quote today, and one of our account managers will help you find the perfect books for your students. Let’s make this school year the best one yet!