Top 5 (+1) Back to School Reads

1. First Day Jitters (Pb) By: Julie Danneberg

This is a great book for reminding your students that they are not the only ones who might feel nervous about starting a new school year. The book doesn’t show you who has back to school jitters until the very last page when you find out that Sarah Hartwell is not a new student after all! I have become a big advocate for showing our students how we’re feeling and this is a great way to begin having those conversations!

2. Your Fantastic Elastic Brain Stretch It, Shape It By: Joann Deak

I love this book SO much! If you are as excited about growth mindset as I am then this is a must read! My students were so engaged in learning more about how their brains work and I definitely noticed a change in the language that they used when discussing things that were challenging for them! The comparison with getting better at soccer vs. making your brain stronger was an apt one in my class full of soccer crazy kids.

3. My Teacher Is a Monster! (No, I Am Not.) By: Peter Brown

It’s not only students who dread seeing their teacher outside of school, but this is a silly take on that experience and again reminds students that teachers are people to!

4. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates By: Ryan T. Higgens

It’s hard to make friends when you’re a t-rex and your classmates are delicious humans. A hilarious introduction to your classroom expectations and also reminding students that it’s important to treat their classmates with respect.

5. You’re Finally Here! By: Melanie Watts

Start the year on a positive note by letting your new kiddos know how excited you are to meet them and get started on a fabulous year together. Melanie Watts is a long time favorite of mine (Scaredy Squirrel, Chester the Cat)  and this one is no exception. Funny, goodhearted and on point as always!

*BONUS* The Book with No Pictures By: B.J. Novak

This book is just the best. Kids love it. I love it. Everyone loves it, they will beg you to read it over and over and over again. A personal favourite and a great way to end a day that maybe didn’t go as well as you wanted it to!