Books About Starting School · 129 titles considered

The Best Starting School Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about starting school? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Wonder
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Starting School

Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Wonder

By R. J. Palacio, R. J. Palacio · Book #1 in the Wonder series

A boy with a unique face faces school for the first time, seeking acceptance.

The E.B. White Read Aloud Award (2013)Cybils Award (2012)
316 pages· 73,102 words· Est. 10 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,219,409 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts fifth grade at Beecher Prep. As he navigates the challenges of being new and different, he yearns for acceptance. Will his classmates see beyond his extraordinary face? Through shifting perspectives, this story explores empathy, compassion, and the courage to stand out. Can kindness bridge the gap between appearances and true friendship?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

How Not to Start Third Grade

A boy navigates the challenges of starting a new school year with his energetic and mischievous little brother by his side

48 pages· 1,715 words· Est. 20 min read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 458 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: Will's excitement for third grade is overshadowed by his little brother Steve's kindergarten debut. Chaos ensues as Steve's antics bring unexpected challenges and embarrassing moments. Can Will survive the school year with his troublesome sibling in tow? Discover the hilarious trials of brotherhood and school life in this engaging tale for young readers.
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 2010

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade

A first grader faces her fears without her magical tutu. Can she find courage within?

96 pages· 2,627 words· Est. 30 min read
4.1/5 Goodreads · 843 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: Posey dreads her first day of first grade, especially without her confidence-boosting tutu. Alone, she must brave the daunting Blue Hall. But when she inspires a parade where kids wear what comforts them, school suddenly seems less scary. Will Posey discover her inner strength and charm her way through this new adventure?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2008

Lost and Found

By Andrew Clements, Mark Elliott (Illustrator)

Twins exploit a school error, leading to unexpected discoveries.

192 pages· 28,038 words· Est. 4 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 4,700 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Identical twins Ray and Jay Grayson face a new school with a twist: only Jay is recognized. Seizing the opportunity, they decide to live as one person. As they navigate this deception, they uncover surprising truths about identity, friendship, and honesty. Will their clever ruse bring them closer or drive them apart?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

The Un-Friendship Bracelet

A new student tests the bonds of friendship and creativity among young creators.

128 pages· 4,733 words· Est. 53 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 252 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Emily and Maddie, inseparable best friends, face a challenge when new student Bella arrives, sparking a shift in their friendship. As Maddie and Bella bond over crafts, Emily feels left out until she discovers a creative ally in her classmate. When Emily's friendship bracelet falls unnoticed, she questions the strength of her bond with Maddie. Can Emily navigate this new dynamic and find her place in the group? Join these young creators as they tackle friendship and creativity in their everyday adventures.
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 1993

The Kissing Hand

A young raccoon learns to cope with going to school for the first time.

30 pages· 457 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 73,860 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Chester Raccoon dreads his first day of school, but his mother has a special secret to share. With the Kissing Hand, Chester can carry her love wherever he goes. Will this magical gesture ease his fears and help him face the unknown? Discover how a simple touch can transform a daunting journey into a heartwarming adventure.
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2015

Maple & Willow Apart

Sisters find a creative way to stay connected despite being apart.

32 pages· 501 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 611 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Maple and Willow, inseparable sisters, face a new challenge when Maple starts school, leaving Willow behind. As they embark on separate adventures, they discover the ache of missing each other. Can they find a way to bridge the distance and keep their bond strong? Join them on a heartwarming journey of creativity and connection, where the power of sibling love shines through even the toughest changes.
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2018

Albie Newton

By Josh Funk, Ester Garay (Illustrator)

A child genius's plan to make friends turns into chaos. Can he fix it?

26 pages· 346 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings
$16.95Save 6%
Summary: Albie Newton, a child genius and inventive whiz, starts preschool with a plan to make friends. But his creative ideas lead to chaos, angering his classmates by dismantling toys and causing a mess. Can Albie's latest invention win back their friendship and make things right? Discover if his brilliance can mend the bonds he's broken in this charming tale of creativity and camaraderie.
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

The Truth About My Unbelievable School...

A school tour reveals bizarre secrets. Is it all true or a wild tale?

44 pages· 222 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 284 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Summary: Henry guides a new classmate through a school filled with strange inventions, ninja-worthy cafeterias, and possibly monstrous teachers. As the tour unfolds, the line between reality and fantasy blurs. Is this school as unbelievable as it seems, or is there an even bigger surprise waiting? Dive into a whimsical adventure where truth and imagination collide, leaving you questioning what's real and what's not.
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2018

We Don't Eat Our Classmates

A young T. rex named Penelope starts school and learns that it's not acceptable to eat her classmates.

40 pages· 429 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 12,202 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Penelope Rex is excited for her first day at school, but making friends is tricky when her classmates seem like tasty snacks. When the tables turn, Penelope learns a surprising lesson about friendship and food chains. Will she find her place among her peers, or will her appetite get the best of her?
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Browse by age

Starting School Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about starting school for the youngest readers and listeners.

S Is for School

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover school life from A to Z with vibrant illustrations.

My Preschool

Ages 2–5 · 2008

A preschool day full of fun, friends, and farewells.

All Welcome Here

Ages 4–7 · 2020

First day of school: excitement, challenges, and anxieties unfold in poetic snapshots.

Buzzy Had a Little Lamb

Ages 2–5 · 2005

A child faces school without their beloved toy. How will they cope?

Have You Seen My Lunch Box?

Ages 2–5 · 2017

Can a boy find his missing items before the school bus arrives?

School

Ages 2–5 · 2012

A boy navigates his first day at school, facing new questions and experiences.

First Time Nursery

Ages 2–5 · 2010

A child's first day at nursery school unfolds with new experiences and questions.

I'm Going to Preschool
Sale price
$895

I'm Going to Preschool

Ages 1–4 · 2018

A nervous child discovers the joys of preschool.

View all starting school board books
Browse by age

Starting School Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about starting school for preschool and elementary-age readers.

You Can Be a Good Friend

Ages 4–8 · 2024

A girl faces teasing at school but finds friendship by embracing her uniqueness.

Steamboat School

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A boy and his teacher defy a law banning Black education by creating a floating school.

The Invisible Boy

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A boy struggles to be noticed by his classmates and teacher until a new student befriends him.

Chrysanthemum

Ages 4–8 · 1991

A young girl struggles to find self-acceptance in the face of teasing and criticism from her peers.

The Class

Ages 4–8 · 2016

Twenty kids prepare for their first day of kindergarten, each with unique emotions.

A New School Year

Ages 5–9 · 2017

Six kids face first-day school jitters and joys.

Broken Crayons Still Color

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A child learns to transform broken crayons and emotions into beauty and joy.

Ally-saurus & the First Day of School

Ages 3–6 · 2015

Can dinosaur-loving Ally find friends in a world of princesses and pirates?

JoJo's First Day Jitters
Sale price
$699

JoJo's First Day Jitters

Ages 4–8 · 2012

JoJo faces preschool jitters. Can her sister's help ease her fears?

School is Coming

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A boy's school fears are eased as he learns what kindergarten holds.

Me and My Fear

Ages 3–7 · 2018

A young immigrant girl battles her growing Fear in a new country and school.

The King of Kindergarten

Ages 3–6 · 2019

A child prepares for their first day of kindergarten.

Browse by age

Starting School Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about starting school for developing and independent readers.

Ava Lin, Best Friend!

Ages 6–8 · 2024

A first grader's quest for friendship leads to unexpected, humorous adventures.

Sunday Sundaes

Ages 8–12 · 2018

Can three friends keep their bond strong while managing an ice cream shop together?

Isadora Moon Goes to School

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A young vampire-fairy girl navigates her mixed heritage and decides which school to attend, ultimately choosing a human school over a fairy or vampire school.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Locker Hero

Ages 9–13 · 2016

Max faces a bully at his new school. Can he become the hero he dreams of being?

Kid Normal

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A boy discovers a mysterious school that trains students to control their superpowers and decides to stay despite having no powers himself

All's Faire in Middle School

Ages 9–12 · 2017

Imogene faces middle school challenges and questions her identity as a knight or dragon.

First Grader (at Last!)

Ages 6–8 · 2002

A young girl navigates the challenges of first grade, including making friends, dealing with bullies, and learning to read and write.

Karma Khullar's Mustache

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Middle school looms as Karma faces friendship shifts and an unexpected mustache.

Boss of Lunch

Ages 6–9 · 2003

A first-grader navigates the challenges of school and friendships.

Amina's Voice

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A girl navigates cultural identity and friendship amid community tragedy.

Two Roads

Ages 10–14 · 2018

A boy uncovers his Native heritage at a harsh boarding school during the Great Depression.

The New Kid

Ages 6–8 · 2018

A new student joins a second-grade class and struggles to fit in with his peers, who find him strange and different

Keep exploring
Books about bullyingBooks about craftsBooks about creativityBooks about diseases, illnesses, injuries, and disabilitiesBooks about empathyBooks about making friendsBooks about self-acceptanceBooks about siblings

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