Picture books are a fantastic way to introduce your students to new themes and ideas and reinforce previous concepts. They are accessible to everyone and can be worthwhile tools in the classroom for sparking discussion and getting students thinking about new topics.
Back to school picture books are an especially great way to introduce students to each other, you, and the new year in a fun and engaging manner.
Why Use Picture Books for Middle School?
Picture books give students a way to sample their interest in a subject. They may not want to commit to an entire novel or longer read but might still have some interest in a topic. Picture books offer a short and informative way to spark their interest.
Since the books are shorter, students might also be willing to explore topics they would not necessarily seek out on their own. Illustrations provide a great way to hook students as well.
Picture books are accessible to all levels of readers, and by making them available to everyone, students can feel comfortable accessing the texts with which they are most confident. This provides a way to help build confidence in students with weaker reading abilities, as well as English Language Learners. Back to school picture books are fantastic for the beginning of the year to help create an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
Teachers may also find it easier to create a small picture book library in the classroom, as the material may be more affordable and take up less space. Sometimes, students just need a break or something to occupy their minds, and having a resource they can go to and pick up that’s easy and visually appealing offers them an option for a break.
For ideas on back to school picture books to include in your classroom, the School Library Journal has a great compilation of its Best Picture Books of 2023.
Keep reading to get more ideas for back to school picture books that are sure to be a hit at the beginning of school.
This blog post contains affiliate links that are of no cost to the reader. If you make a purchase through the provided links, this blog will receive a small commission to help with the financial costs of maintaining the site.
12 Back to School Picture Books
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
Unhei, who just moved from Korea, is starting a new school and chooses an American name from a glass jar. But no name she thinks of really seems to fit. A new friend helps Unhei learn that her name is the best one.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton
Nobody pays much attention to Brian at school – until the new kid, Justin, shows up. The pair team up to work on a project, and Brian finds a way to flourish.
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman
This book follows a group of students for a day at their school, where everyone is welcome. Inclusion and diversity are celebrated and students learn from each other’s culture and traditions.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López
A story about being brave and pushing forward, even if we feel like outsiders. Sometimes, differences are what can help us connect with others.
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex and illustrated by Christian Robinson
Look at the first day of school from the school’s perspective. Frederick Douglass Elementary wonders if the students will like it, whether they’ll be nice, and what they’ll do once they arrive.
Becoming Vanessa by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Vanessa starts school in an outfit that gets noticed—but not in a good way. She just wants to blend in with the other girls. When her mother explains the meaning of her name, Vanessa wonders if she can be her true self with her classmates.
Chrysanthemum: A First Day of School Book for Kids by Kevin Henkes
Teach students about tolerance and kindness in the classroom and how everyone has different names. In this story, Chrysanthemum loves her name, but the kids at school don’t.
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
Vashti does not believe she can draw and makes an angry mark on a blank page when the teacher prompts her to draw. But that dot begins a journey of self-discovery and surprise.
A Fine, Fine School by Sharon Creech and illustrated by Harry Bliss
Tillie loves her school, but what happens when the principal calls students in on weekends, holidays, and during the summer?
A Head Full of Birds by Alexandra Garibal and illustrated by Sibylle Delacroix (Translated by Vineet Lal)
The other kids tease Nanette. One day, Noah starts sitting at her table. At first, he finds her a little frustrating and confusing, but he soon realizes how fun her ideas are.
Lila and the Crow by Gabrielle Grimard (Author)
Lila moves to a new town and starts a new school, where she is made fun of for her dark hair and skin colour. This makes her want to cover herself up so no one notices her – until a magical encounter with a crow changes everything.
The New Girl by Nicola Davies (Author), Cathy Fisher (Illustrator)
A young girl faces hostile classmates in her new school, in a new town. They refuse to accept her, and, in response, she creates something wonderful that changes how they view her and themselves.
How to Use Back to School Picture Books in the Classroom
Picture books can be used in the classroom in many ways, but they are especially effective at the beginning of school.
Back to School Picture Books provide accessible material that can be used to create numerous activities for students, including those listed below. These can be used during the back to school adjustment/get-to-know-you time period, and most can also be used at any other time during the year.
Back to School Picture Books provide accessible material that can be used to create numerous activities for students, check out the ideas listed below.
- Take a moment with the class and give everyone a break with a short read-aloud session.
- After reading aloud, discuss the book’s compelling themes and important messages through a class discussion.
- Have students select a book to read each day for a week. Then, as you get to know your new students, you can have them provide a short summary of one book to the teacher to assess comprehension and writing form.
- Set up stations around the classroom where students can grab a book and relax. You could also use these stations and picture books to teach different literacy skills.
- Have several students sign up to read the same book. After they’ve had a week to read it, break students into small groups so they can share their thoughts about it.
- Have students select a book and develop a written, visual, or media exploration of one of its main themes. For example, a poster showcasing acceptance.
Back to School Mega Bundle
Take some of the stress away from back to school and add to your back to school picture books with this ultimate First Day Back to School Activities Mega Bundle.
This resource includes:
- 15 Different Back to School Middle School Activities
- Back To School Escape Room
- Pet-Themed Digital Escape Room
- Creative Writing Choice Board Assignment
- School Uniforms Non-Fiction Article
- Classroom Reward Coupons
- 365 Attendance Questions
- Middle School ELA Emergency Sub Plans
- Grades 6, 7 and 8 Long Range Plans
Get the Back to School Mega Bundle on Shopify CAD or Teachers Pay Teachers USD
Help Your Students Love Reading with Lit Launch
Are you ready to share your passion for reading and inspire your students?
Lit Launch: Middle School Reading Professional Development is for teachers looking to create meaningful reading engagement in their classrooms.
In just three hours, this online workshop equips teachers with strategies to connect with their middle school readers, ideas for classroom management challenges and shares high-impact lesson ideas.
Workshop Includes:
- 3 Hours of Professional Development Videos
- 145 Page Workbook
- 10 Reading Resources
- Professional Development Certificate
- Supporting Resource Links
- Reading Interest Inventory
In this self-paced workshop, teachers will get actionable ideas and lessons they can implement in their classrooms.
Learn more about Lit Launch on Teachers Pay Teachers USD or Shopify CAD.
Additional Resources:
- The Ultimate Teacher’s Guide to Back to School Success
- Fun Digital Back to School Activities for Middle School
- How To Create An Engaging Back To School Environment
Related Posts
