Books About Substitute Teachers

The Best Substitute Teachers Books for Kids

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Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Teachers, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about substitute teachers? 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.

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The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Substitute Teachers

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

Mysteries According to Humphrey

By Betty G. Birney · Humphrey series

A classroom hamster named Humphrey tries to solve the mystery of his teacher's absence.

176 pages· 29,054 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 1,431 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Humphrey, the curious classroom hamster, faces his biggest mystery yet: Mrs. Brisbane is missing! With a substitute teacher in charge, Humphrey channels his inner Sherlock Holmes to uncover the truth. As he gathers clues, he wonders: Where could Mrs. Brisbane be? Can he solve the mystery before it's too late? Join Humphrey on a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2008

Judy Moody Goes to College

By Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) · Book #8 in the Judy Moody series

A girl navigates a challenging school experience and discovers her love for math, thanks to a supportive tutor at college, while trying to prove herself to her teacher and friends

176 pages· 10,381 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 4,954 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Judy Moody's math woes take a turn when she's paired with a vibrant college tutor. Initially dreading the sessions, Judy's perspective shifts as she discovers the allure of college life and her own potential. With newfound enthusiasm, Judy not only conquers her math challenges but embraces them, transforming from a reluctant student to a confident math whiz. Will Judy's journey inspire her classmates, or will her new attitude create unexpected twists in her school life? Dive into Judy's world where numbers become her new best friends and learning is anything but boring.

Sale price

$958

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1982

Miss Nelson Is Back

By Harry G. Allard Jr., James Marshall (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Miss Nelson series

Room 207's mischief meets its match with a terrifying substitute.

32 pages· 651 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 29,813 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: The kids in Room 207 are thrilled when their teacher leaves for a week, planning to unleash chaos. But their excitement turns to dread when the dull substitute is replaced by the fearsome Miss Viola Swamp. Can they outsmart her, or will their antics lead to unexpected consequences? This hilarious tale of mischief and surprises will keep young readers laughing and guessing.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–8 · 2017

Sam Battles the Machine!

By Jack Chabert, Sam Ricks (Illustrator) · Book #6 in the Eerie Elementary series

Three friends team up with a mysterious substitute teacher to defeat an evil elementary school.

96 pages· 6,201 words· Est. 1 hour read

4.3 Goodreads · 617 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: When a mysterious substitute teacher arrives at Eerie Elementary, Sam, Lucy, and Antonio suspect he's up to no good. Living in the old house of mad scientist Orson Eerie, he's building a strange machine. Could he be trying to resurrect Orson? The trio must uncover his true intentions before it's too late. Will they unravel the mystery and save their school from a sinister plot?

Sale price

$474

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2012

Miss Kraft Is Daft!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #7 in the My Weirder School series

A fourth-grader navigates a series of misadventures at school.

112 pages· 7,926 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 795 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: A.J. and his classmates face a week with Miss Kraft, a substitute teacher who wears a clown costume, talks through puppets, and performs magic tricks. Why is she so peculiar? As the week unfolds, the students are drawn into her bizarre world, leaving them to wonder if there's more to Miss Kraft than meets the eye. Can A.J. and his friends uncover the truth behind her eccentric behavior, or will they be swept away by her strange antics? Dive into this hilarious adventure and discover the mystery of the weirdest school week ever.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2019

Miss Porter Is Out of Order!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the My Weirder-est School series

A fourth-grader navigates a week with a new substitute teacher, a personal digital assistant, that is taking over the school.

112 pages· 7,950 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.4 Goodreads · 466 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: A.J. and his friends face a high-tech challenge when their substitute, Miss Porter, a Personal Digital Assistant, starts malfunctioning. Known for her endless jokes and drone-delivered pizza, Miss Porter suddenly turns from fun to formidable. As she threatens to take over Ella Mentry School, the kids must find a way to shut her down. Can they outsmart a machine that knows everything, or will Miss Porter rule the school? Dive into this hilarious adventure where technology meets chaos, and see if A.J. and his friends can save the day.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1977

Miss Nelson Is Missing!

By Harry G. Allard Jr., James Marshall (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Miss Nelson series

A class of misbehaved students must navigate a new, strict teacher while trying to find their missing beloved teacher.

32 pages· 607 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 110,313 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In Room 207, chaos reigns until Miss Nelson vanishes, replaced by the stern Miss Viola Swamp. The unruly students, once dismissive of their kind teacher, now face a strict substitute who turns their world upside down. As they navigate this new regime, they begin to appreciate what they've lost. Will Miss Nelson return, and what lessons will the students learn in her absence? This humorous tale of mischief and realization is a delightful reminder of the value of kindness and respect.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2009

Georgia's Greatness

By Lauren Baratz-Logsted · Book #3 in the The Sisters 8 series

Georgia's blunder may doom the Sisters Eight's quest to find their parents.

128 pages· 22,860 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 669 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Georgia Huit, one of the Sisters Eight, faces a critical moment as she discovers her unique power. With their parents missing, the sisters must unravel the mystery of their disappearance. But when a suspiciously perfect substitute teacher arrives, Georgia's mistake could jeopardize everything. Can the sisters uncover the truth behind their parents' fate, or are they destined to remain alone? As secrets unfold, the stakes rise, and Georgia must navigate her newfound abilities to save her family. Will the Sisters Eight triumph, or will Georgia's error seal their fate?

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1985

Miss Nelson Has a Field Day

By Harry G. Allard Jr., James Marshall (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Miss Nelson series

A tough coach arrives to save a losing football team.

32 pages· 760 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.1 Goodreads · 3,009 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: The Smedley Tornadoes are in a slump, having lost every game. Enter the notorious Miss Swamp, determined to whip the team into shape before the big Thanksgiving match. Can she transform the hapless players into champions, or will chaos reign at Horace B. Smedley School? With her no-nonsense approach, Miss Swamp might just be the team's last hope. Will the Tornadoes finally taste victory, or is the school doomed to disappointment? Dive into this hilarious tale of transformation and teamwork, where the stakes are high and the laughs are plenty.

Sale price

$674

Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2006

Ms. Todd Is Odd!

By Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot (Illustrator) · Book #12 in the My Weird School series

A boy navigates a series of misadventures with his friends and a new substitute teacher.

112 pages· 7,666 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 1,744 ratings

$6.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: When Ms. Todd steps in as the substitute teacher, A.J. and his friends are convinced she's up to no good. They suspect she kidnapped Miss Daisy to take over her job. Determined to uncover the truth, the kids embark on a hilarious detective mission. But with Ms. Todd being the strangest substitute ever, solving this mystery won't be easy. Will A.J. and his friends crack the case, or is Ms. Todd just misunderstood? Dive into this quirky adventure to find out!

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Substitute Teachers Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about substitute teachers for preschool and elementary-age readers.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$1899

Here Comes Teacher Cat

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A reluctant substitute teacher cat faces chaos and unexpected lessons with a roomful of kittens.

Sale price

$1799

Ho Ho Homework

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Is Jack's substitute teacher secretly Santa Claus?

Sale price

$799

Substitute Groundhog

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Groundhog is sick on Groundhog Day. Can he find a substitute or will the day be canceled?

Sale price

$1699

Same Way Ben

Ages 3–5 · 2019

A substitute teacher disrupts Ben's routine, challenging his love for sameness.

Sale price

$1799

Dear Substitute

Ages 3–5 · 2018

A student faces unexpected changes with a quirky substitute teacher.

Sale price

$1899

Substitute Creacher

Ages 4–8 · 2011

A monstrous substitute's tales aim to curb a class's mischief, but his own story holds the ultimate surprise.

Series

Sale price

$499

Pete the Cat and the Surprise Teacher

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A cat must teach his substitute teacher, who is unexpectedly his mom, about school.

Series

Sale price

$599

Back to School

Ages 2–5 · 2019

A nervous fish becomes a substitute teacher with unexpected help.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Alvin and the Substitute Teacher

Series

Sale price

$399

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Alvin and the Substitute Teacher

Ages 4–8 · 2013

The Chipmunks face a surprising week without their favorite teacher.

Series

Sale price

$2265

Swamp Creature Teacher

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Is the new substitute teacher really a swamp creature?

Series

Sale price

$1899

School of Rock

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A substitute teacher turns a class into a rock band. Can they win the Battle of the Bands?

View all substitute teachers picture books

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Substitute Teachers Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about substitute teachers for developing and independent readers.

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$699

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

Ages 7–9 · 2009

A substitute teacher is suspected of being a robot and a group of kids investigate, leading to a showdown with the Lunch Lady, who fights crime, and an evil plot to replace teachers with robots.